Teen charged for causing labourer’s death in hit and run

…released on $320,000 bail

An 18-year-old man, who allegedly fled the scene after hitting a labourer with an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), killing him, has been placed on $300,000 bail on a causing death charge.

Adon De Silva of Lot 621 Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was taken before Magistrate Chrystel Lambert at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He was charged with causing the death of 36-year-old Manniram Sooklall of Lot 403 Charity Extension Scheme, by driving the ATV in a manner dangerous to the public.
He was released to $300,000 bail on that charge. For allegedly driving the vehicle without a licence, De Silva was granted $20,000 bail. Meanwhile his father, Henry De Silva, was also charged with permitting his son to use an unregistered vehicle.
The De Silvas, who were represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva, pleaded not guilty to their respective charges.
March 20 is their next court date.
According to information received, on November 3, 2022, at about 19:00h, the ATV driven by the 18-year-old was proceeding along the road at an alleged fast rate of speed when the driver suddenly lost control and collided with Sooklall, who was standing in front of his home.

The Police stated that the teen reportedly stopped at the scene, but after seeing Sooklall lying on the roadway motionlessly, in a pool of blood, he fled without providing any assistance to the injured man.
The injured man was left on the scene for a while until he was picked up by a public-spirited citizen and rushed to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Residents in the neighbourhood are claiming that the teenager would usually traverse the street with the motor raptor at a fast rate of speed. Guyana Times understands that Adon is the grandson of the Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva. (G1)