Bus driver in West Coast fatal accident gets bail

The mini-bus driver charged with causing the death of a 12-year-old Anna Catherina lad was granted bail on his second appearance in court yesterday on the condition that he surrenders his passport and driver’s licence to the court.

Tekere July, 27, of Lot 2012 Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo had denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving and had been remanded to prison on his first appearance before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton at the Wales Magistrate’s Court. He had also been charged with driving over the speed limit on a different day.

It is alleged that on October 29 at Edenburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), he drove motor mini-bus BKK 1248 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Ameer Khan. It is also alleged that on October 26 at Den Amstel, WCD he drove the same bus at a speed greater than the speed limit.

Appearing before Magistrate Fazil Azeez at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court yesterday, July’s attorney, Leslie Sobers made a successful bail application which was granted in the sum of $150,000. He stated that Khan had suddenly run out of the school and was hit. Police Prosecutor Ramsahoye Rambajue informed the court that Khan was crossing the road not far from the pedestrian crossing and came into contact with the vehicle. He stated that at the time July was driving at 60 kilometres per hour, which was not above the speed limit.

In granting bail however, the magistrate said that the defendant’s passport and driver’s licence would have to be lodged with the court until the completion of the matter.

July was ordered to return to court on December 13 at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.