Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 07, 2016 News
….as hire car driver granted $1M bail on causing death charge
Jamar Norville, the hire car driver, who was allegedly intoxicated when he fatally struck
down the key witness in the Freddie Kissoon assault case has given police three different stories recounting what transpired.
This is according to Police Prosecutor David Goodridge who indicated that Norville told police that someone placed a gun to his head and demanded him to hit Osmond Griffith, 41, of D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, among others.
In light of his claims, Goodridge told the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court that the Commissioner of Police has ordered that not only traffic ranks but also the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe the case – as they await further advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Norville, 27, of 427 Schoonord Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on September 2, at Industry Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, he drove motorcar HC 4399 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Griffith.
He was also charged for driving when his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit. It is alleged that he drove the motorcar when he had 0.77 micrograms breath alcohol content. This charge was also laid indictable. However, the accused was granted bail to the tune of $50,000.
According to reports, Griffith, the key witness in the matter was killed when the accident occurred around 02:00hrs. Griffith and two of his friends were reportedly returning home after a hang out at Plaisance line top.
Reports are that the car, in which the father of 15 was a passenger, had pulled over and stopped at the side of the public road for some of the occupants to urinate when he was killed. It was reported that Griffith was standing next to the car and was in the process of zipping up his pants when a speeding motorcar, heading towards the city, crashed into him, flinging him into the air and onto the roadway. Police in a statement had said that the driver claimed he was imbibing alcohol at the Plaisance line top.
During his address to the court, Attorney Adrian Thompson asked for his client to be released on bail. The lawyer contended that Norville was kept in police custody beyond the 72 hours period. According to Thompson, Norville had been in custody since last Saturday. Thompson told the court that there were several suspicious activities after the fatality. He said that the now dead man was among three persons urinating at the side of the road, when he was struck and killed. In fact, Thompson argued that his client’s vehicle did not hit Griffith.
Nevertheless, he told the Magistrate that his client is willing to comply with any conditions attached to bail.
However, Prosecutor Goodridge opposed bail for the accused. Goodridge said that Norville told police that someone placed a gun to his head and demanded him to hit the man with his vehicle. According to the prosecutor, Griffith made good his escape after the accident and was later found by police hiding in a house at University of Guyana (UG) Road, East Coast Demerara. The prosecutor stated that the accused also told police that he hit Griffith, while he was urinating. Goodridge informed the court that Norville provided police with three different stories during his time in custody.
In addition, Goodridge opposed bail citing the prevalence of the offence and the fact that the accused was driving under the influence. He also added that there is a possibility the accused might not return to court for trial since he provided the police and court with conflicting addresses.
In response to these contentions, Thompson claimed that Norville fled the scene in a bid to save his life, since he was attacked by eyewitnesses. He said that police were later summoned to the home by his client’s friend. But Prosecutor Goodridge made it clear that no one attacked the accused, based on statements given to police by two persons who were in his car.
During a summary of the facts, the court heard that Norville was imbibing alcohol with friends at the ‘Guinness Bar’ located on Plaisance line top. Norville was driving the car proceeding west along the southern side of the Industry Public Road at a fast rate of speed when he collided with another car parked on the southern side of the said road. As a result of the collision, Griffith was hit causing him to fall onto the roadway. He was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
As a condition of bail, Norville was instructed to lodge his passport and report to the Sparendaam Police Station, every Friday until the completion of the matter.
This matter has been adjourned until September 30, for reports.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 28, 2024
Minister Ramson challenge athletes to better last year’s performance By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s 23-member contingent for the CARIFTA Games in Grenada is set to depart the...B.V. Police Station Kaieteur News – The Beterverwagting Police Station, East Coast Demerara (ECD) will be reconstructed... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – In the face of escalating global environmental challenges, water scarcity and... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]