CITY Constabulary trainee Leon Thomas, of Lot 55 Lime and Bent Streets, has been charged with demanding money under false pretence.

Before Magistrate Judy Latchman, it was alleged that, on May 27, in Regent Street, also in Georgetown, he obtained $5,000 from Orin La Rose and the defendant pleaded guilty.

However, after listening to his explanation, the magistrate changed his plea, put him on $50,000 bail and set a trial for June 12.

Thomas, on probation in the Constabulary, said he saw the virtual complainant drop a plastic bag on the pavement and warned him that he could be prosecuted for littering.

The defendant said La Rose admitted committing the offence, begged him for a chance and gave him $1,000 to buy a drink.

Thomas denied that he demanded $5,000 from La Rose.

Police Corporal Peter Livingstone, prosecuting, said the defendant was not authorised to carry out such duties and his act tarnished the image of the law enforcement agency.
The Prosecutor asked for substantial bail to be set.