Motorcyclist charged for soldier’s death at Lethem

– granted M bail

The allegedly intoxicated motorcyclist involved in a fatal smash-up which claimed the life of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) as he was making his way home from the Lethem Town Week celebrations one week ago was on Wednesday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Hilroy Pedro pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, detailing that on October 18, 2017 on Lethem Public Road in Central Rupununi, he rode a motorcycle in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Devon Fraser.
Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield led the prosecution’s case and did not object to bail being granted.
The defence counsel in a submission for bail related that the defendant was a 39-year-old father of three permanently residing in Lethem, and was gainfully employed as a mechanic.
Pedro has no antecedents and was a well-known and respected individual in the Lethem community, according to his lawyer.
The defence counsel further contended that the accident was an unfortunate mishap as his client tried at all costs to avoid it. Moreover, the defendant was reportedly seriously injured, as he claimed that he was beaten by ranks of the Police Force. He appeared to be in dire pain when he appeared before the court.
Prosecutor Mansfield alleged that on the day of the accident around 02:40h, the defendant was riding home with his wife while under the influence of alcohol, proceeding south along the Lethem Public Road.
As the motorcycle passed the GDF headquarters, Pedro rode into the path of the now deceased man who was walking in the company of another. Fraser received severe injuries about his body and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Lethem Public Hospital.
Magistrate Latchman set bail at $1 million, and the matter was transferred to be heard at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on November 18, 2017.