Reckless driver gets jail and fine

Panadura group correspondent

A private coach driver who pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle under the influence of liquor and causing death of a push cyclist was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment suspended for 10 years and fined Rs 5,000 and in default six months imprisonment.

Panadura Provincial High Court Judge Malanee Gunaratne also ordered P Upul Kumara of Horana to pay Rs 150,000 as compensation to the deceased’s wife and children.

Kumara pleaded guilty to the charge of driving a private coach in a reckless manner under the influence of liquor and knocking down a cyclist on Horana Road and causing his death.

State Counsel Wasantha Perera prosecuted. Meanwhile Judge Gunaratne sentenced another private coach driver to two years rigorous imprisonment suspended for 10 years and fined him Rs 10,000 and in default six months’ imprisonment.

P Leslie Priyadharshana of Horana pleaded guilty to driving a private coach under the influence of liquor on the Horana road in a reckless and negligent manner and knocking down a motor cyclist.

The Judge imposing a suspended sentence on Priyadharshana ordered him to pay Rs 50,000 to the youth’s grandmother. He was also ordered to pay another Rs 50,000 to charity and to produce the receipt before court. State Counsel Wasantha Perera prosecuted.