Death of cyclist: Driver fined $50,000 for drunk driving

Mark Braithwaite, a boat captain of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was on Monday charged with driving under the influence and fined $50,000.

Braithwaite was arrested after he fatally struck down 20-year-old pedal cyclist, Kazim Hamid of Zeelugt, EBE on Sunday night. He appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, where the charge of drunk driving was read to him and he pleaded guilty.

Police Headquarters reported that the accident occurred at about 23:40 hrs at Tuschen Old Road.

Police said the car was speeding east when it collided with Hamid who was riding in the opposite direction.

The impact caused the cyclist to be thrown onto the car’s windshield and then onto the road; he was dragged about 40 feet and received severe injuries.

Hamid was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The body was escorted to Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver revealed alcohol levels above the legal limit with .44 and .46 micrograms in his system.  The car is lodged at Leonora Police Station to be examined by a licensed and certifying officer.