Fraudster fails to start repaying complainant

A man was denied bail yesterday as he failed to present even one dollar to begin the compensation process when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Kenroy Granville pleaded guilty to fraudulent conversion when he last appeared in court on May 25. The allegations are that in January, the complainant handed over J$1.6 million in three instalments to Granville for the importation and purchase of a Toyota Hiace motor van. It is reported that the complainant is yet to receive the vehicle.

Senior Parish Court Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague had ordered Granville to make full compensation for the motor van and ordered him to return to court with a minimum of $200,000 to begin repayment. He was remanded for his address to be verified. But before he left court on May 25, the judge cautioned him, "Sir, you can't come to court empty-handed. This is what will demonstrate your seriousness."

However, when he came to court yesterday, his lawyer tried making a bail application again, but Cole-Montague was appalled to hear that Granville had no money to begin repayment.

"Money first. Tell me when the money will come but until then you are further remanded in custody. Complainant, I know you're disappointed but I'm asking you don't get too frustrated but him nah go nowhere 'til him pay the money, that is my assurance. To you good counsel, pay the money and make we see how the bail go," the judge said. Granville is expected to return to court on June 15.