Driver in Essequibo hit-and-run accident slapped with three charges

Parasram Wellington, the drunk driver who allegedly struck down 46-year-old Mahendra Kissoon on Saturday and fled the scene has been charged with three traffic offences.

Wellington, 56, a driver attached to the Golden Fleece Investment on the Essequibo Coast appeared, virtually, at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam on Wednesday.

He was charged with driving under the influence, failing to stop after an accident and failing to render assistance to an injured person.

Police Headquarters on Wednesday said the charges were laid under Section 39 A (1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02; Section 62 (1) (a) and Section 62 (1)(c) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.

Wellington pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was placed on bail totaling $240,000 bail – $200, 000 bail for driving under whilst breath alcohol exceeded the prescribed limit and $20,000 each on the other two charges.

The case was adjourned to May 24.

The accident had occurred at about 19:10hrs on Saturday, April 29 at the Land of Plenty Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

Wellington was the driver of a truck, GLL 5654, owned by Golden Fleece Investment.

Police Headquarters reported that Kissoon and his granddaughter went to purchase hotdogs a short distance away from their home when the speeding truck driver struck the victim.

As a result, Kissoon was flung into the air and then landed on the road.

Wellington sped away, leaving the victim bleeding on the roadway. He was arrested on Sunday.

Kissoon’s granddaughter ran home and informed family members, who ventured to the scene and rushed him to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.