GDF rank charged for causing death by dangerous driving

Bail was granted in the sum of $150,000 to Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Jason Butters, 23, of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Butters pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on December 15, 2020, at the McDoom Public Road, Greater Georgetown, he drove motorcar PTT 4166 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 33-year-old Ameena Sooklall of Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Police, in a statement, said that on December 15, 2020, Sooklall was an occupant of the vehicle being driven by Butters when it crashed into a concrete median. Reports are that the accident occurred at about 22:45h in the vicinity of the new Gafoor’s access road on the McDoom Public Road.
According to the Police, Butters related that he was heading north along the roadway at a moderate rate of speed when he suddenly felt drowsy. According to the Police statement, “his eyes closed and he lost control of the vehicle and collided with the concrete median at the centre of the road.”
The vehicle sustained extensive damage, leaving the driver and the other occupants with injuries.
Sooklall was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The case involving Butters, who was represented by Senior Counsel Stanley Moore, will be recalled on March 23. (G1)