Defence Attorney to make no-case submission as Gary Best’s trial continues

The prosecution on Thursday closed its case in the proceedings against former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Retired Rear Admiral Gary Best, who is accused of causing the death of former national cyclist Jude Bentley in a road accident.

The Police Prosecutor closed the case against Best, and as a result, defence attorney Nigel Hughes is expected to lay over a no-case submission to trial Magistrate Rondel Weever when the matter continues next week.
According to the charges against Best, on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater Georgetown, he drove a motor vehicle, PRR 8182, in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Bentley.
It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, he drove the motor vehicle while his blood alcohol level was 85 micrograms, which is above the legal limit.
In relation to the causing death charge, Best, an executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), pleaded not guilty and was ordered to post $500,000 bail. In relation to the charge of driving under the influence, he was released on his own recognizance (self-bail).

As a condition of bail, Best was ordered to report to the Police Force’s Traffic Headquarters on specified dates until the completion of his trial.
Bentley, 41, was struck down and run over by the vehicle allegedly driven by Best on Clive Lloyd Drive near the Russian Embassy turn.
Reports are that, at the time of the accident, both Best and Bentley were travelling in an easterly direction.
Investigators found that Best was driving under the influence of alcohol.
After the accident, Best was taken into custody, but later complained of feeling unwell and, as such, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted. Best was a former Presidential Advisor under the David Granger Administration.