Labourer remanded for killing Corentyne headteacher in hit-and-run

A 35-year-old Albion Sugar Estate labourer was today refused bail after being charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of Kildonan Primary School Headteacher Sonia Williams.

Alvin Singh appeared before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on three charges; causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to render assistance after an accident.

He was not required to plead to the causing death by dangerous driving charge and pleaded not guilty to the other two charges.

The charges stem from the September 14 accident on the Rose Hall Town Public Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), which resulted in the death of Williams, 51, of Chesney Housing Scheme.

Police had reported that Williams’ motor car, PAK 5566, was stationary on the southern side of the road when she reportedly attempted to open the right-side front door. A white motor car proceeding west reportedly collided with Williams and the opened door, after which the driver left the scene.

Williams was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital and later transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical attention.

During Friday’s proceedings, Attorney-at-Law Charlene Ortega, who represented Singh, applied for substantial bail and indicated that the defence was prepared to accept conditions imposed by the court.

Ortega told the court that, based on her client’s instructions, Singh was not driving at a fast rate, was not under the influence of alcohol or any other substance and was not overtaking at the time.

She submitted that Williams was attempting to open the front door of her vehicle and that Singh could not have avoided the collision.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Collin Clark, however, objected to bail, arguing that Singh posed a flight risk.

He pointed out that Singh left the scene following the accident and was arrested the following day.

Clark also told the court that the vehicle was taken to a workshop without the accident being reported to police.

Ortega challenged that argument, pointing out that no evidence had been tendered to show that Singh had tampered with the vehicle.

The prosecutor further told the court that CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts provided an account of what transpired. He also said that during an audio and video interview, Singh admitted that his vehicle struck Williams.

The prosecutor further disclosed that the police file had been completed, but the post-mortem report was still outstanding.

In refusing bail, Magistrate Hardy pointed to the serious nature of the offence and the fact that no plea could be taken on the most serious charge. She also took into consideration that Singh had left the scene and considered him a flight risk.

Bail was consequently refused on all three charges.

The matter was adjourned until October 20, when the court indicated that bail could be considered on the charges of failing to stop after an accident and failing to render assistance after an accident.