Accra, Oct. 10, GNA - A Circuit Court in Accra on Monday admitted Edwin Eastman, the boyfriend of late actress Suzzy Malike Williams, to a 500-million cedi bail with a surety to be justified. Eastman, a 25-year-old musician, has pleaded not guilty to careless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to report an accident and negligently causing harm to Suzzy. The Court ordered Eastman to report to the Police at La twice a week. The case was adjourned to November 8.

When the case was called, Mr Ellis Owusu-Fordjour, who led the Defence team, repeated his application for bail. Ms Barbara Sackey, a State Attorney, did not oppose the application for bail but urged the Court to admit Eastman to bail of substantial amount. She said looking at the offences levelled against Eastman, they did not constitute those that bail should be refused. The case of the Prosecution was that at about midnight on September 8, this year, 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. On reaching a U-turn to a Shell filling station opposite the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Eastman who had no licence and was driving under the influence of alcohol, lost control of 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 she passed away on 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.