A bus driver has been released on bail after being faced with multiple charges of fraudulently obtaining money from persons by falsely pretending that he was in a position to rent apartments and houses to them.
Patrick Clarke, 54, was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he denied the charges.
The first charge against him states that on August 30, at Stabroek, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $120,000 from Shonette Forde by falsely pretending he was in the position to rent an apartment to her, knowing same to false.
It is also alleged that on August 30, at Broad and Russell streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $60,000 from Candace Robertson by falsely pretending he was in the position to rent an apartment to her, knowing same to false. The third charge alleges that on September 3, at Bourda, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $70,000 from Marvin Sutherland by falsely pretending he was in the position to rent an apartment to him, knowing same to false.
The fourth charge states that on September 9, at Charlestown, George-town, with intent to defraud, he obtained $80,000 from Kiana Gordon by falsely pretending he was in the position to rent an apartment to her, knowing same to false. Another charge states that on September 5, at Bourda, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained $40,000 from Gillian Jake, an advance payment for an apartment he falsely pretended he was in the position to rent. Finally it is alleged that on September 14, at Croal Street, Georgetown and New Market Street, with intent to defraud he obtained $80,000 from Nigel Gibson by falsely pretending he was in the position to rent an apartment to him, knowing same to false. The money was obtained at the separate locations.
Clarke told the court that he has started repaying persons and asked the court for time to continue. He said that he wants the matters to end and he is willing to repay the complainants. However, the Police Prosecutor, Annalisa Brummell, told the court that Clarke has paid two persons who did not bring their matters to the court. She explained that the charges pertain to other persons who are yet to be given the money he obtained from them.
Prosecutor Brummell did not object to bail being granted. Clarke was then released on $40,000 bail for each charge. He was told to return to court on November 1.
