Bus conductor charged for death of elderly chef

Almost four months after he was involved in an accident which claimed the life of 61-year-old Francis Persaud, a 21-year-old of Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown was on Monday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges pressed by the State.
The Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, read that on July 30, 2017, at Craig Public Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), Jason Dorsett allegedly rode motorcycle CH532 in a manner dangerous to the public, resulting in the death of Persaud.
The unrepresented minibus conductor denied the allegation when it was read to him by the presiding Magistrate.
Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers did not object to bail, but requested that it be substantial considering the gravity of the offence.
The prosecution is contending that on the day of the accident, Dorsett was proceeding north along the Craig Public Road when he struck the chef, who was in the process of crossing the road, from the western side to the eastern.
Persaud was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Diamond hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Prosecutor indicated that an investigation was launched, and the matter was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) which resulted in the defendant being charged.
Prosecutor Jeffers further disclosed that Dorsett has pending matters before the court in relation to the motorcycle, for which he was required to report to the Kitty Police Station in Georgetown. Though it is unclear what the specifics of the traffic charges are, reports indicate that Dorsett was charged for driving without a licence and failing to render assistance to the victim. Dorsett allegedly fled following the accident, but left his helmet on the scene. The defendant upon his arrest sported minor injuries consistent with those gained in a vehicular accident and the breathalyser test administered found him to be slightly below the legal limit of alcohol.
Prosecutor Jeffers also revealed to the court that the case file was complete and he was ready to proceed to trial.
Bail was set in the sum of $500,000 and the conditions stipulate that Dorsett is to lodge his passport at the registry and report to the Kitty Police Station every Saturday until the completion of the trial.
The case will continue on November 13.