An East Bank Demerara (EDB) man, who allegedly drove his motorcycle in a dangerous manner and reportedly caused the death of his reputed wife, who was his pillion rider at the time, was on Wednesday charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Lawrence McGarrell, 24, of Lot 66 Golden Grove, EBD appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and Magistrate Sunil Scarce to answer to the seven charges brought against him.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 23, 2017 at Providence Public Road, EBD, he rode motorcycle CJ1957 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Gaitri Sahadeo.
The other six related charges were read by Magistrate Scarce, which stated that on the same day at the same location, the defendant rode without third-party insurance and without a driver’s licence, failed to wear a safety helmet, rode and carried the pillion rider without a safety helmet, rode while under the influence of alcohol and rode the motorcycle without the owner’s consent.
McGarrell was granted bail on the causing death charge in the sum of G$100,000 and was scheduled to reappear before Magistrate McLennan on August 9, 2017.
However, he initially pleaded guilty to the other six charges, but when questioned by Magistrate Scarce, he explained that he was still mourning his reputed wife and was unable to think clearly. McGarrell further added that he was appearing in court for the first time and did not fully understand the system and as such, not-guilty pleas were entered on his behalf.
He was granted bail in the sum of G$20,000 each for the six charges, and was expected to reappear before Magistrate Scarce on August 8.
Sahadeo, 20, was killed at 00:30h on July 23, 2017 when the motorcycle suffered a blowout.
He was said to be proceeding south along the eastern carriageway when the accident occurred.
Sahadeo, who reportedly sustained injuries to the head, was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she succumbed while being treated.
