Cop in fatal accident did not have driver’s license, insurance; granted $1M bail

Aaron Rodrigues, 21, a Special Constable of Freeman Street, East La Penitence was placed on $1 million bail following an accident on the Mocha Access Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday last that claimed the life of 49-year-old Euclin Joseph of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Rodrigues appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, EBD on Monday where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, breach of insurance and driving without a license.

He pleaded not guilty to the dangerous driving charge and guilty to the other charges. He was fined $17,500 for not having a driver’s license while the Magistrate imposed a $50,000 fine for the breach of insurance charge.

He was placed on $1M bail for the charge of dangerous driving. The victim (Joseph) was a passenger of the car (PSS 7652) when Rodrigues lost control and crashed into an electrical post.

Several others in the car were also injured. Police Headquarters reported that Rodrigues was speeding; he passed a breathalyzer test.