GDF driver trial commences for pensioner’s death

The trial of Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal Zamani Archibald for allegedly causing the death of Harry Persaud, called “Saw Doctor”, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, commenced on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman. The trial of Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal Zamani Archibald for allegedly causing the death of Harry Persaud, called “Saw Doctor”, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, commenced on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman. Archibald has been charged with the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. It is alleged that the 24-year-old Lance Corporal drove a motor pickup belonging to the GDF in a manner dangerous to the public in March of this year. Archibald of East Berbice, Region Six, was granted million bail when he initially appeared in court and denied the offence.Archibald’s attorney, Leslie Sobers, on Friday requested the substantial amount of bail be reduced, as his client has remained incarcerated, having been unable to post the stipulated bail for his release pending trial. Sobers deemed the amount of bail to be beyond the reach of his client, but  Magistrate Latchman strongly maintained her position on bail, and adjourned the case until September 19.During the trial, Balwatt Persaud, son of the late pensioner, guided by Prosecutor Vishnu Hunte in his testimony, told the court that he visited the mortuary at the Georgetown Public Hospital following the accident, and there he identified the body of his father.Guyana Times previously reported that on the fateful day of the accident, Persaud was giving his granddaughter a ride on his pedal cycle en route to the Rubis Service Station when a vehicle belonging to the GDF struck them off the cycle. Persaud reportedly sustained injuries to his head and other parts of the body, while the infant suffered a fractured shoulder and lacerations to her hand and head.According to reports, they both were rushed to the Diamond Regional Hospital by the same vehicle, and while Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival, his injured granddaughter was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) in a critical condition and admitted a patient there.