The suspect in the Vlissengen Road accident that claimed the life of a motorcyclist and left the pillion rider hospitalised, was taken before the traffic court yesterday and charged with driving under the influence and driving without a tint permit.
Joel Thomas, 29, was read the two charges by Magistrate Clive Nurse.
The first charge alleged that the accused, on July 8, at Vlissengen Road, drove motor car PTT 2510 when his breath alcohol level was above the legal limit.
It is further alleged that on the very date and in the very location, Thomas drove motor vehicle PTT 2510 with glass tinted beyond the legally prescribed Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%).
The accused denied the first charge and pleaded guilty to the second.
While Thomas was granted $10,000 bail on the first charge, he was fined $7,500 on the second offence.
The matter relating to driving under the influence was then adjourned until August 16.
Thomas was represented by attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon.
Subsequent to having his fine and bail paid, the accused was taken back into police custody as investigations continue into the fatal accident.
Police investigations have revealed that the motor car, PTT 2510, was travelling north along the western lane of Vlissengen Road, while the motorcycle bearing registration number CH 9859 was travelling in the opposite direction at a fast rate.
The driver of the motor car told police that the motorcycle veered over into his lane and they collided head on.
As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist, Stephon Beckles and the pillion rider, Kevin Andy fell onto the road.
They both sustained injuries to their heads and other parts of the bodies. They were both rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by a public-spirited citizen. At the hospital, Beckles was pronounced dead on arrival, while Andy was admitted.
