A man accused of fraudulently converting 22 of 44 computers to his own use instead of selling them all and returning the cash to the owner was on Monday placed on $100,000 bail after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
The allegation against Mark Joseph is that between May 1 and 31, 2010, being solely entrusted with 44 computers valued $1.3M in order that he may sell them and return the cash to Trevone Bess, he fraudulently converted 22 of the said computers valued $770,000 to his own use and benefit.
Thirty-nine-year-old Joseph of 45 La Grange, West Bank Demerara was not required to plead to the indictable charge of fraudulent conversion when it was read to him by the acting chief magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecution indicated to the court that the facts were as charged and no further details were given as to what transpired between the period stated.
Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes who represented the accused told the court that the charge is the product of malice, adding that his client is innocent of the charge levelled against him.
Hughes then said he did not wish to get into the details of the matter as that would be left for the trial.
He then made a successful request for Joseph to be admitted to reasonable bail on the grounds that he has no antecedents, poses no risk of flight, has a fixed address and has been cooperating with police investigations.
Prosecutor Stephen Telford had no objection to the accused being granted his pretrial liberty but requested that it be set in a substantial sum to ensure that the defendant returns to stand trial.
After listening to the prosecution and the defence, the magistrate granted the father of six $100,000 bail. The matter was then adjourned to February 4 for statements.
