The 38-year-old driver accused of causing the death of a 47-year-old cattle farmer by driving in a dangerous manner on the West Coast Demerara was released on bail when he appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Jawahir Lall of Lot 1, Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving and was set free on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Fazil Azeez.

It is alleged that on February 18 on the Cornelia Ida Public Road, West Coast Demerara, Lall, a driver at National Communications Network (NCN), caused the death of Zaman Shaw by driving motorcar PJJ 2165 in a manner dangerous to the public.

Reports are that on the said day Shaw was returning home after a successful search for some missing cows when the car hit him. He was transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died.

Attorney-at-law Jaya Manickchand entered an appearance for Lall. In her submissions she stated that Lall is employed as a driver by NCN and was on assignment with other employees on the said day. She said that it was unfortunate that such an incident had occurred and declared that when the facts are made known what would be revealed was that “the deceased has caused his own demise, sadly.” She stated that her client is not a flight risk and after the incident he reported to the police station on every occasion that he was required. She said that her client had three children including a seven-year-old boy who is attached to his father, who is the sole breadwinner of his family. She said that Lall had no previous offences and is known to be a trustworthy and honest person.

The attorney indicated the presence of another employee of NCN, Michael Gordon to attest to his character. She stated that through her he had expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and she pleaded for bail to be set in a low sum saying that he did not earn much.

Police Prosecutor Orin Cameron stated that the prosecution would not oppose substantial bail.

After listening to the submissions, the magistrate granted bail and ordered Lall to return to court on April 3 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.