GDF driver jailed for death of cyclist

A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) driver has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for causing the death of a cyclist by dangerous driving in an accident which occurred in March 2017 at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Lance Corporal Zamani Archibald, 24, of Manchester, Berbice was sentenced by Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday, 05 January 2018, after he was found guilty at the end of the trial.

The court heard that he drove motor pickup DFB 1566 in a dangerous manner and caused the death of Harry Persaud on March 11, 2017. He was placed on $1M bail during the trial.

Archibald was represented by Attorney Leslie Sobers and the matter was prosecuted by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vishnu Hunt.

It was previously reported that the cyclist was towing his infant granddaughter on a bicycle when he swerved unexpectedly in front of the pickup and collided.

Persaud was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Center Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The infant was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and treated.