A 27-year-old man accused of causing the death of a motorcyclist along the Corentyne Public Road was on Tuesday remanded to prison after appearing before the Albion Magistrate’s Court.
Alexei Anthony De Lima of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias, where he was read an indictable charge in connection with the fatal accident which occurred on Sunday at Williamsburg Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.
The court heard that he drove motor lorry GVV 5043 in a manner that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Haresh Gopilall.
Because the charge is indictable, De Lima was not required to enter a plea.
Police Prosecutor Corporal Leon Jones objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and noting that another victim remains hospitalised.
Attorney-at-law Muhammad Ali, representing De Lima, requested bail, arguing that his client’s mother is a serving Police Sergeant who would ensure his attendance at court.
He also told the court that De Lima’s passport had expired several years ago and that the case file was not yet complete, which could delay proceedings for months.
However, Magistrate Matthias denied bail, stating that the gravity of the offence and the condition of the surviving victim were key considerations in her decision.
The court also heard that the case file remains incomplete and will be sent for further legal advice, a process that could take approximately two weeks.
In addition to the causing death charge, De Lima was also charged with operating the same motor lorry while knowing it was uninsured. He pleaded not guilty to that offence, but bail was again refused.
The matter was adjourned to May 19.
According to police reports, the accident occurred at around 21:00h on Sunday along Williamsburg Public Road.
Investigations revealed that the lorry was proceeding east along the northern carriageway at a normal speed, while the motorcycle, CR 1603, was travelling in the opposite direction at a fast rate.
The accident occurred when the lorry allegedly turned right into the motorcycle’s path.
Gopilall succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident, while the pillion rider, a 27-year-old man identified only as Singh, remains hospitalised.
