Minibus drivers slapped with causing death charge

Bagotstown accident

The two minibus drivers allegedly responsible for causing the death of Roxanne Mitchell, killed on Independence night, were both slapped with a causing death by dangerous driving charge when they appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Jamal Mcloud, 60, and his co-accused, Michael Thorne, 26, were arraigned on Friday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

They were not required to plea to the indictable charge, which stated that on May 26, 2016 at Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara they drove vehicles bearing license plate BPP 6158 and BPP167 respectively, in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Mitchell.

Mcloud was represented by Attorney Bernard Dasilva. Dasilva in a bail application told the court that the charge laid against his client is a mere allegation, since his (Mcloud) vehicle was hit from behind at the time of the collision.

He further added that Mcloud suffers from hypertension and is a diabetic patient, who has no prior brushes with the law and poses no flight risk since his Guyana passport is invalid.

According to Dasilva his client was Mitchell’s neighbour.

Meanwhile, Mark Conway representing Thorne stated in his bail application that his client is incapable of moving around since he sustained serious injuries in the collision. He is currently being physically supported by his family, the lawyer said.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones made no objections to their requests and so were released on $250,000 bail each. According to reports, Mitchell was returning home from the Independence flag-raising ceremony when the accident occurred at about 01:30h.

The case will continue on June 3, 2016.