Couple accused of using dead man’s debit card

Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell prompted investigators to lay additional charges against a couple who are accused of using a dead man's debit card to make purchases at a restaurant and petrol stations.

"They need to be charged with other offences; charge them under the Cybercrimes Act. As a matter of fact, if you look under the Law Reform Act, there could be something there, but the Cybercrimes Act for sure, they should be charged," the senior jurist advised.

The couple, Oliver and Antonella Buddington, appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Monday, where they are charged with larceny by finding and receiving stolen property. It was shared further that the case file, which has been before the court for the past 10 months, is incomplete, as there was no statement from the complainant, who is deceased.

"The investigator could get a statement under section 31 (D) of the Evidence Act," the judge noted further.

Brief allegations state that between June and August 2023, the Buddingtons were in possession of the dead man's debit card and have been using the card at several businesses in the Corporate Area. Prosecutors contend that Antonella is seen on surveillance footage at a petrol station using the debit card as well as at a fast food outlet making purchases. "We have the analysis from CFCD (Communications Forensic and Cybercrime Division) and bank statements," the prosecutor indicated. However, the total sum used on the complainant's debit card was not shared in court. "This is no longer larceny by finding. Tell the lawyer what really happened," Burrell told the accused.

The Buddingtons, who are on station bail in the sum of $90,000, were ordered to report to the police three times weekly and to surrender their travel documents as conditions of their bail. The matter was adjourned until November 25 when the matter is set for mention.

- T.T.