Death of cyclist: Fmr. Army Chief granted $100K bail

Police have released former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Rear Admiral Gary Best on $100,000 bail two days after he struck down and killed national cyclist, 41-year-old Jude Bentley.

Best was in Police custody at the Kitty Police Station since Saturday but was admitted to the cardiac unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital on Sunday morning after he complained of feeling unwell.

The News Room understands that Best was granted bail at around 17:00hrs Monday under the surety of his attorney James Bond and was ordered to lodge his passport.

It is unclear whether Best is still hospitalised. Best was driving black motor jeep PRR 8182 at around 04:30hrs Saturday when he struck down Bentley on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy turn, killing him on the spot.

Police reported that Best was over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the accident. The News Room understands that Mr Best’s alcohol limit was 0.85% micrograms. The legal limit is 0.35% micrograms.

Best reportedly told the Police that the cyclist “appeared in front of him” and he applied brakes when he swerved southwards to avoid a collision but the right side front of his vehicle collided with the cyclist before slamming into a utility pole.

Family and friends of Bentley disputed Best’s claims that the cyclist was not wearing reflectors at the time of the accident.

Bentley leaves to mourn his wife and seven children.