Kitty driver slapped with causing death by dangerous driving charge

…released on $300,000 bail

A 29-year-old Kitty, Georgetown resident was on Wednesday slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge.

Joel Thomas, of Lot 205 Thomas Street, Kitty, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charge detailed that on July 8, 2019, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, he drove motor car PTT 2510 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of motorcyclist Stephon Beckles.
Thomas was represented by Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, who requested that his client be released on reasonable bail.
Reports are Thomas was proceeding north along the western lane of Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, while the motorcyclist was proceeding south along the eastern lane of the said road at a fast pace, when the motorcycle ended up in the path of Thomas’ motor car, which resulted in a head-on collision.
It was reported Beckles and his pillion rider, Kevin Andy, were thrown from the motorcycle, which resulted in both men receiving severe head and other injuries. They were picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Beckles was pronounced dead on arrival.
On Wednesday, Police Prosecutor Adduni Inniss did not object to bail; however, she requested that conditions be attached.
The Magistrate released Thomas on $300,000 bail. The defendant has to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday until the completion of the trial, as a condition of bail.
In July, Thomas was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a tint permit and appeared before City Magistrate Clive Nurse. He was fined $7500 for driving without a tint permit, and he was released on $10,000 bail on the driving under the influence charge.