Soldier charged with killing colleague by dangerous driving

A soldier was yesterday placed on $200,000 bail after denying causing the death of a fellow serviceman through dangerous driving.

The charge against Antonio Eastman, 26, a Second Lieutenant of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), states that on November 1, 2013, at Mandela Avenue, he drove motor vehicle PPP 2100 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Lieutenant Ronald Gonsalves.

Eastman pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Ronald Gonsalves
Ronald Gonsalves

The accident occurred when Eastman and two other soldiers left Timehri for Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown. Eastman, the driver of the vehicle, allegedly attempted to overtake another vehicle but lost control and ran into a lantern pole, resulting in the death of Gonsalves and serious injuries to himself and three other soldiers who survived. Gonsalves was also believed to be wearing a seat beat at the time of the accident.

Eastman was granted bail after Prosecutor Michael Grant submitted no objections. The case will be called again on October 31.