– court hears
A 33-year-old man on Thursday pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraudulent misappropriation when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
It was alleged that between October 26-29, Sidney Humphrey, a hire car driver and contractor of 1307 ‘B’ Field Sophia having received the sum of $160,000 to purchase wood for Toolsie Maraj his employer; converted same to his own use.
According to the defendant’s lawyer, Neil Bollers, “my worship, an oral contract was made and as such I don’t see how my client can be held criminally liable since anyone can say that money was given to him to do something and he did otherwise.” Bollers then made an application for bail to be granted in a reasonable sum on the grounds that his client is not a flight risk. He also stated that they are prepared to take the matter to trial.
Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith had no objection to bail but stated that the defendant was entrusted with Maraj’s money to purchase the materials but never returned.
When given a chance to respond, Maraj said that all he wanted was to be repaid.
Humphrey was granted bail to the tune of $100,000 and his case was transferred to court two for March 13 for statements.