Driver in hit & run granted $80,000 bail

Budhram Heeralall, the driver in the hit-and-run accident that has left 52-year-old Allan Downes critically injured was charged with two traffic related offences and placed on $80,000 bail.

Budhram Heeralall of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara appeared at the Sparandaam Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

He was charged with failure to render assistance after an accident and failure to report an accident. The News Room understands that Heeralall pleaded not guilty to both charges and was placed on $40,000 bail for each offence.

The matter was adjourned to May 31.

Downes of Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara was struck down by an Audi, PAC 5314, during his early morning walk along the Rupert Craig Highway on April 10.

His son, Oliver Downes told the News Room on Thursday that he remains critical but is making “small” improvements.

Heeralall reportedly fled the scene after the accident but was arrested hours after. He was subsequently released on station bail.

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Dennis Stephen had told the News Room that the accident occurred at around 05:30 hrs in the vicinity of the University of Guyana (UG) road.

According to the senior cop, the vehicle was proceeding east along the northern carriageway when Downes allegedly walked from north to south and into the path of the vehicle.

Oliver previously told the News Room that his father has been using the same route for his daily walks for some 20 years and so the family believes it is impossible he would walk into the path of the vehicle.

Oliver said he was recently shown surveillance footage by the Police which contradicts their [the Police’s] account of the accident.

The son emphasised that his father sustained severe injuries behind his knees, which he noted is a clear indication that he was struck from behind.