Hit and run driver gave himself up

(CNS): A 27-year-old kitchen assistant has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident after giving himself up to the authorities. Mario Peter Pereira, an Indian national from Goa, is charged with hitting and killing 52-year-old Winston Welsh on Crewe Road on 12 November as he tried to cross the road to the Mango Tree Restaurant. The defendant, who had been in custody, was granted bail at $5000 to appear again on 16 December when an inquiry will be held to establish the facts of the case. The defendant was told to surrender his passport, as he could not now leave the jurisdiction until the case was heard, and that he must reside at his George Town home.

During his first court appearance on Monday afternoon it was revealed that Pereira had surrendered to the police a few days after the incident and admitted that he had hit the victim, fled the scene, altered the car and hid the vehicle before he decided to give himself up. His defence attorney said it would be established that this really was a tragic accident on a very dark road with no aggravating circumstances such as speed or drink.

The defence attorney said Pereira was well thought of and his employers were holding his job for him, which he would return to once on bail. The crown had no objection to bail being granted provided the conditions were imposed.