No bail for driver in Corentyne fatal crash

…uninsured lorry charge added

A 27-year-old man accused of causing the death of a Williamsburg Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) motorcyclist was on Tuesday remanded to prison after appearing before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court. Alexei Anthony De Lima was charged in connection with the fatal crash and also slapped with a second charge for allegedly operating motor lorry number GVV 5043 while it was uninsured, with bail refused on both matters.

It is alleged that De Lima, 27, of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), on April 12, 2026, at Williamsburg Public Road, Corentyne drove motor lorry number GVV 5043 in a manner that resulted in the death of Haresh Gopilall, 31. Police Prosecutor Corporal Leon Jones objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and informing the court that another victim in the matter remains hospitalised. Attorney-at-Law Muhammad Ali, who represented the accused, appealed for bail, telling the court that De Lima’s mother is a Police Sergeant, who would ensure his attendance, and that his passport had expired several years ago. He further submitted that the case file is not yet ready and may take months before it returns.
However, Magistrate Matthias said she took into consideration the seriousness of the offence and the fact that one of the victims is still hospitalised and refused bail. The prosecutor also informed the court that the file is incomplete and will be sent back for further legal advice, noting that it could take approximately two weeks before it is returned. Additionally, De Lima was slapped with a second charge, which alleged that on the same day, time and place, he drove the said motor lorry knowing it to be uninsured. He pleaded not guilty to that charge, and bail was also refused.

The matter was adjourned to May 19. The accident occurred on April 12 at about 21:00h along the Williamsburg Public Road, Corentyne and involved motor lorry number GVV 5043 and motorcycle number CR 1603. Police said the lorry was proceeding east along the northern carriageway at a normal rate, while the motorcycle was travelling in the opposite direction at a fast rate. As the motorcycle attempted to pass, the lorry allegedly made a sudden right turn into its path, resulting in a collision. Gopilall died as a result of injuries sustained, while pillion rider Yedesh Singh, 27, remains hospitalised.