Social media video leads to dangerous driving charge

A 27-year-old man from Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, has been fined after pleading guilty to a charge of dangerous driving, following the circulation of a video on social media showing reckless behaviour on a major highway.
Jaswant Murilal of First Street, Martyr’s Ville, Mon Repos, was charged with dangerous driving, contrary to Section 36(1) of the Road and Motor Vehicles Act, Chapter 51. The charge arose after a video began circulating online showing Murilal allegedly driving at a high rate of speed along the Ogle/Eccles Highway. In the footage, the vehicle is seen losing control, crossing the median and entering the lane of oncoming traffic. The incident narrowly avoided collisions with several other motor vehicles using the roadway at the time.

The matter was heard on Wednesday at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess. When the charge was read to him, Murilal pleaded guilty.
Magistrate Bess imposed a $50,000 fine. Failure to pay the fine will result in Murilal being jailed for 12 months.