PNCR executive Gary Best finally makes court appearance

Causing death by dangerous driving

…denies DUI charge, released on $500,000 bail

Almost one month after national cyclist Jude Bentley was struck and killed on the Rupert Craig Highway, executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Retired Rear Admiral Gary Best, who is accused of causing his death, was finally arraigned on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Best was not required to plea to the charge which detailed that on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Georgetown, he drove motorcar PRR 8182 in a dangerous manner to the public, thereby causing the death of Bentley.
Magistrate Faith McGusty heard the matter and accepted a bail application presented by Attorneys Nigel Hughes and James Bond. Best was granted $500,000.
Further, Best was then escorted to the courtroom of Magistrate Clive Nurse to answer to another charge, which alleged that on the same day at the same location, he drove while under the influence of alcohol.
The court heard that a breathalyser test done on Best revealed that his alcohol level was .85 micrograms. He nonetheless denied the charge and was released on self-bail. The case will continue on March 17. As a condition for bail, he is required to report to the Police Force’s Traffic Headquarters on specified dates until the completion of his trial.

The 41-year-old cyclist died after being struck down by Best in an early morning accident on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy.
Best, who was arrested by Police, complained of feeling unwell and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated for cardiovascular ailments and trauma under Police guard. He was later released on $100,000 station bail.
On February 18, family and friends of the late Bentley picketed the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, calling for charges to be initiated against Best as they somewhat believed that the justice was being delayed.