New York-based Chaitram Karam was refused bail and remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Krishendat Persaud  at the New Amsterdam Court yesterday to answer to a number of traffic charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.

Karam of Jamaica, Queens in New York City, on Friday last is alleged to have been driving motor vehicle PJJ 8072 when it struck teenagers Vallas Motie and Ajay Doodnauth, resulting in the death of the latter.  (Read story)

The lads were walking along the Sheet Anchor Public Road when the accident occurred.

Doodnauth, who succumbed to multiple injuries, was killed instantly following the impact with the vehicle, whose driver reportedly sped away from the scene without rendering assistance.

The defendant who was scheduled to return to the USA yesterday is facing five charges, including causing death by dangerous driving,  two counts of failing to render assistance and two counts of failing to stop after an accident.

Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Fazil Karimbaksh  objected to pretrial liberty on the grounds that the defendant may flee the jurisdiction. In addition, the prosecutor cited the nature and gravity of the offences and the prevalence.

The case is fixed for hearing on February 9.