Eccles salesman granted $500,000 bail for causing death by dangerous driving

– family signals willingness to settle

An Eccles salesman was on Wednesday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. 35-year-old Mohammed Irshad stood before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where he entered a plea of not guilty.
According to the allegation, Irshad, on January 30, 2024, drove his motorcar along Nelson Mandela Avenue in a manner deemed dangerous, resulting in the death of pedestrian Jerome Basdeo.
The prosecutor raised no objections to bail but urged the court to impose strict conditions. He requested that Irshad lodge his passport and report to the East La Penitence Police Station on the last Friday of every month.
Irshad’s attorney, Eden Corbin, in making a bail application, described his client as a devout Muslim who “has never consumed alcohol.” Corbin contended that Irshad was not speeding and that Basdeo “ran into the right front” of the vehicle. He added that the traffic light was green at the time of the collision and that persons in the area suggested the deceased may have been under the influence of alcohol.
Corbin emphasised that his client has no prior encounters with the law, is aware of the gravity of the charge, and is seeking reasonable bail. The attorney also informed the court that Irshad’s side had reached out to the victim’s family regarding a possible settlement.
Basdeo’s sister, who attended the hearing, confirmed that contact was made and an offer extended. She told the court that while Irshad’s side proposed $2.5 million, she is prepared to settle the matter for $4 million, noting that her late brother has a family and the compensation would assist them. She stressed that she was being “reasonable”, as other relatives were demanding a larger sum.
Magistrate Azore remarked to Corbin that he appeared to be dealing with “the most reasonable family member”. Corbin asked for additional time to consult with his client on the matter of settlement.
Bail was ultimately granted for $500,000, and Irshad was ordered to lodge his passport. The case has been adjourned to January 14.