DPP recommends charging Best with death by dangerous driving
The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Wednesday advised the police to charge former Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Gary Best with death by dangerous driving in relation to the February 8th accident that claimed the life of cyclist Jude Bentley.
According to sources, the DPP’s Chambers has also recommended that Best be charged with driving a motor vehicle while his alcohol limit exceeded the prescribed limit.
The police had sent Best’s file to the DPP’s Chambers on Tuesday and it was returned on Wednesday. Bentley’s family and others have questioned the tardiness in bringing charges against Best for the accident which appeared clear cut. Best is a candidate on the APNU+AFC list for Monday’s elections.
Bentley was struck while cycling along Clive Lloyd Drive by a vehicle driven by Best.
Best, a retired Rear Admiral, was arrested on the morning of February 8th after the fatal accident.
The accident occurred at approximately 4.31 am on the northern side of the Russian Embassy as Bentley, 41, of Lot 33 Robb Street, Georgetown, was on his way to meet a group of cyclists for training. Best, who was driving an SUV, #PRR 8182, was proceeding in the same direction.
In a statement issued, the police, who did not name Best, but identified him as a 61-yearold resident of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, said he disclosed that he was proceeding east along the southern lane. He alleged that the cyclist suddenly appeared in front of him and that he applied brakes and the right side of the front of his vehicle collided with the cyclist, who fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries.
After the impact, the vehicle dislodged a lamp pole on the southern side of the road.
The police had said that
Bentley was pronounced dead at the accident scene.