-granted $250,000 bail each

TWO men facing separate charges of fraudulent conversion were yesterday released on $250,000 bail each by Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Forty-two-year-old, Andrew James of Lot 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge that said between October 20 and November 1, 2013 at Georgetown, being solely entrusted with two flasks of mercury valued $4M, in order to sell same and return the proceeds to Delmar Walcott, he fraudulently converted same for his own use and benefits.
Meanwhile, twenty-nine-year-old gold miner, Johnny Harris of Lot 5 Now or Never, Mahaicony also denied the charge against him. The allegation stated that between October 20 and November 1, 2013 at Georgetown, being solely entrusted with one flask of mercury valued $2M by James, to keep in safe custody and return to him, he fraudulently converted same for his own use and benefits.
Walcott told the court that he does not want any criminal proceedings in the matter but wants his money instead. The virtual complainant said that James told him that he was going into the interior for nine days but he did not hear from him until after six months.
The attorney-at-law representing the duo requested that his clients be released on their own recognisance, stating they are friends with the VC. Defence counsel said neither of his clients has any pending or prior matters.
Police Prosecutor, Michael Grant said that he has no objection to bail but only to self-bail, given the quantum of the charge. Bail was granted with like surety and the matter stands adjourned to November 14.