A false transaction over the clearing of a vehicle at John Fernandes Wharf landed a taxi driver before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
It is alleged that between July 31 and August 31, Rajindra Gopee, 45, of lot 71 Gordon Street, Kitty, in Georgetown with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $1,150,000 from Saran Deokarran, by falsely pretending that he was in a position to clear his vehicle from the John Fernandes.
Gopee was initially not required to plead to the indictable charge. However after the Administration of Justice Act was applied he pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-Fat, who represented Gopee, explained that his client and the complainant are known to each other and have been friends for some time.
Fung-a-Fat also said that his client’s wife has agreed to pay back the sum of money owed to Deokarran, adding that his client had no previous or pending matters in the court system.
No details of what transpired on the day in question were presented to court.
The prosecution had no objection to bail, but requested that Gopee be ordered to report to the Brickdam police station every Friday at 3 pm.
The magistrate then granted the prosecution’s request and the accused was granted bail in the sum of $250,000.
The matter was then transferred to court 2 for reports and fixtures.
He will make his next appearance today for settlement of payments which both parties agreed.
