Police send file to DPP for legal advice

Cyclist Jude Bentley’s death

Police have sought legal advice from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, regarding the way forward into the fatal accident which left former national cyclist Jude Bentley dead.

When contacted on Tuesday, Police Commander Edgar Thomas said the file has been sent to the DPP for advice and Police are following the protocols when handling such matters.
On Saturday morning, Bentley died after he was struck down at about 05:00h by retired Rear Admiral Gary Best, who is an executive of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and is named on the APNU/AFC list of candidates. The accident occurred in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy, Kitty, Georgetown.

After hitting Bentley, the vehicle dragged him for some distance before coming to a halt after hitting into a light post.
Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles has since confirmed that Best failed two breathalyser tests. Best, who was arrested by Police, complained of feeling unwell and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital for cardiovascular ailments and trauma. He was released on $100,000 station bail.
Meanwhile, on Sunday evening, a vigil was held at the Kitty seawall, Georgetown, where hundreds of relatives, friends, colleagues and fellow cyclists turned up to pay tribute to Bentley.

His reputed wife, Akesia Hodge, told the media that her family needs justice for Bentley’s death and that the perpetrator needs to be held accountable.
“We cannot have a system that condones and accepts the fact that somebody has been killed, a father has gone, a brother, a son, a loved one, his life is no longer and the person responsible is not going to be held accountable…I expect to see the full course of justice administered in this matter and every other matter. This is not going to go down like another statistic,” she said.
On Tuesday, Best in a statement said that he has suspended all campaign activities in light of the accident.