Truck driver in Agricola fatal accident granted G$500,000 bail

Danion Welcome, the driver of the truck in the horrific accident at Agricola Public Road, Greater Georgetown that claimed the life of seven-year-old Ciara Benjamin back in June, was on Wednesday charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The 39-year-old man appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charge which detailed that on June 1, 2019, at Agricola Public Road, Georgetown, he drove motor lorry GWW 962 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Ciara Benjamin.
Defence Counsel James Bond, in a bail application, requested that his client to be released on reasonable bail. He assured the court that once his client’s bail is granted, he will ensure that Welcome adheres to any conditions attached.
In addition, the lawyer informed the court that his client is unable to work since the ordeal, owing to the injuries he received by the hands of Agricola residents, who beat him mercilessly.
Bond went on to tell the court that his client has to seek medical attention abroad for his injuries, after being advised by a local doctor.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that on the day in question, about 16:10h, Welcome, who was driving motor lorry GWW 962, was proceeding at a fast rate of speed along the Agricola Public Road. The prosecution is claiming that Welcome lost control of his vehicle and collided with the child, who was standing at the median, which resulted in the child’s death.
The matter was reported; however, after a lengthy investigation, a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who advised that Welcome be charged.
The court further heard that the DPP’s advice that Welcome’s driver’s licence should be suspended.
The Chief Magistrate, after listening to the facts, released Welcome on G$500,000 bail.
Welcome was instructed to lodge his passport with the court and report every Friday to the officer in charge at the Ruimveldt Police Station until the hearing and determination of the case. The Magistrate further suspended his driver’s licence until the hearing and determination of the matter.
Nevertheless, Welcome is slated to make his next court appearance on September 23.
Based on reports received, the child was attempting to cross the road with her aunt, who was on her cellular phone, in the vicinity of the Independence Arch at Agricola.
During that time, a truck bearing registration number GWW 962 was heading to Georgetown when the driver allegedly swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle and the child was struck.
Hundreds of people flocked the roadway in the aftermath of the tragic incident. With the truck lodged in the middle of the roadway, Police officers made efforts to clear the streets to allow for the child’s body to be removed.
About one hour later, a forklift and crane were used to lift the vehicle and remove the child’s remains. Her body was completely severed in two. However, before Police arrived, residents of Agricola mercilessly beat Welcome. His truck was later set on fire by the residents.