Accra, Jan 2, GNA - Trial of Edwin Eastman, the boyfriend of late Suzzy Malike Williams, an actress, would begin on January 20, this year at an Accra Circuit Court.

This followed the receipt of recommendations on the docket on the case from the Attorney General's Office.

Eastman, a 25-year-old musician, has two out of the five charges dropped, a GNA's investigations have revealed. He would now face charges of careless and inconsiderate driving; negligently causing harm and driving without licence.

The two charges of failing to report an accident to the Police and driving under the influence of alcohol were dropped. Eastman on September 23, 2005, appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on the five charges.

He pleaded not guilty.

Eastman was later granted 500 million cedis bail with a surety to be justified while a duplicate docket was forwarded to the Attorney General's Department.

Earlier, the case for the Prosecution was that on September 8, 2005 at about mid-night Eastman was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero Junior vehicle with registration number GW 818 W with Suzzy, now deceased, on board.

The Prosecution said the vehicle was moving towards Nungua on the La/Teshie dual-carriage way and when it got to a U-turn to a Shell filling station in front of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Eastman, who had no licence and was driving under the influence of alcohol, lost control over the vehicle.

The vehicle somersaulted several times and landed in a ditch. Suzzy, who was at the front seat sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to the Lister Medical Services Limited for treatment but passed away the same day.

The Prosecution said the accused failed to report the accident to the Police within the stipulated time of 24 hours and went into hiding. Eastman was, however, traced by the Police to his residence and apprehended to assist in investigations.