ACTING Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday overruled a Police objection and granted bail to Michael Haley, 46, of Lot 72 Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, who is implicated in an alleged overseas employment scam.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to three counts of obtaining money under false pretence and Police Inspector Stephen Telford, prosecuting, objected to the grant, expressing fear that Haley is likely to flee the jurisdiction.

The Prosecutor added that Haley is expected to face other charges.

However, the magistrate ordered Bailey to secure his pre-trial liberty by lodging $180,000 until July 8.

The allegations against him are that:

* on June 3, with intent to defraud, he obtained $35,000 from Roy
Elias, stating that he was in a position to secure a contract for him
to be part of a musical band to perform in Europe;

* on April 17, with intent to defraud, he obtained $35,000 from
Bhupendra Deolall, under the pretext that he was in a position to
get a contract for Elias to play in a musical band performing in
Europe, and

* on May 22, with intent to defraud, he obtained $35,000 from Phillip
Beaton, telling him he was in a position to obtain a contract for
Elias to play music in Europe.

Defence Counsel Vic Puran claimed Haley has informed the virtual complainant that he will be travelling in August but a competitor in the business told Elias that he is a confidence trickster.

The lawyer said the accusations were made against Haley because of rumours.

Elias, himself, told the Court that the defendant first advised him that he would travel to Europe in January but later changed the time to August and he became suspicious that he was being defrauded.