Motorcyclist put on $250,000 bail over causing death

Oswald Singh, who fatally struck Rubena Hutson while riding a motorcycle, was yesterday placed on $250,000 bail by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The allegation against Singh, 33, is that on July 10, at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, he drove motorcycle CE 3158 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Rubena Singh.

Singh, a taxi driver of 2744 Park Lane, South Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey said that on the day in question at about 3pm, the accused was proceeding north on the western carriageway when he collided with Hutson.

According to Harvey, the incident occurred at the intersection of Avenue of the Republic and Regent Street, as the deceased was attempting to cross the road at the intersection. He said too that the traffic light was flashing amber at the time of the collision.

The court then heard that after falling to the ground, the injured Hutson was picked up and rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state, where she died later the same day. The matter was reported to the police and Singh was arrested and charged.

Hutson, 56, of Independence Boulevard is said to have suffered a fractured skull and a broken leg. She was employed as a security guard with Professional Guard Service and at the time of the incident she was returning home from work.

Attorney Euclin Gomes, who represented the accused, made an application for his client to be admitted to reasonable bail on the grounds that he had no antecedents, posed no risk of flight and had been cooperating with police investigations.

The prosecution had no objection to the accused being granted his pre-trial liberty but requested that conditions be established and bail be set in a substantial sum to ensure he returns to stand trial.

The magistrate then informed the accused that he would be granted $250,000 bail, on the condition that he lodged his passport with the prosecution for safekeeping. Further, the magistrate ordered Singh to report to the investigating rank at Brickdam Police Station every Monday and Friday at 8:30am.

The matter was transferred to Court Three for August 29 for reports and fixtures.