Gary Best was intoxicated at time of crash- senior police sources

KILLED: National Cyclist Jude Bentley 

Four senior police officers have confirmed that former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force, Rear Admiral Gary Best was under the influence of alcohol and above the legal limit for alcohol consumption when the Land Cruiser he was driving slammed into national cyclist Jude Bentley; killing him on the spot early Saturday morning. A breathalyzer test conducted on best shortly after the accident confirmed this.

The body of the national cyclist at the scene of the accident

BIG Smith News Watch was told that the Rear Admiral who is still in police custody will be treated like every other person who is placed into custody for a similar offense and bail if granted before legal advice is obtained, that bail would have to be granted based on a number of factors and considerations including the initial evidence available to the police at this time.

“We know that this matter is being looked at very carefully by everyone because of who is involved and as such, I can assure you that the police will do the right and necessary things which ought to be done when matters of this nature are under investigation” Stated one of the senior police officers.

Usually, the police would take one of several actions during fatal accident investigations. Bail is sometimes granted based on the initial evidence available, consideration of who is involved and that person’s chance going MIA before charges are laid, seek extension of the detention period or carry out their investigations in an expedited matter which allows for all ground to be covered in time to secure advice from the DPP before the expiration of the 72hours detention period.

It is unclear which of these would be afforded to the former army head but according to what BIG Smith News Watch has been told, Best is still in the custody of the police.

Jude Bentley was killed on the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy early this morning as he was heading east along the stretch of road when he was hit from behind and dragged several feet by the Land Cruiser which was being driven by Best. The Guyana Police Force is yet to issue an official statement in relation to the accident.

The death of the national cyclist has seen an outpouring of tributes to his family by members of the public and various sporting disciplines.

The accident has also renewed calls for there to be a proper and secure facility for cyclists to carry out their training and other activities which they often are forced to do along several public roads in the country.