A man who decided to steal $5,064.78 from his boss to get himself out of a "jam" found himself in even more difficulties. Joel Ramsden, 26, was given a day to pay a $4,000 fine or serve nine months in jail yesterday after he pleaded guilty before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington. "Boss, I was in a little jam, Ramsden told Wellington in the San Fernando Magistrates' Court. He said he stole the money to pay someone he had owed, but he had intended to pay back his employer Joel Ali.
Saying that Ramsden breached his employer's trust after seven months' service, Wellington said: "He has to be taught a lesson. "He talks so matter-of-factly as though we could understand." Ramsden's attorney Michelle Rampaul said he made a mistake and he should be made to work and pay back the money.
Court prosecutor Sgt Roland Williams said on December 22, 2010, Ramsden, a clerk at Ali's Hardware and Metal Fabricators Ltd in Marabella, delivered a quantity of material to Construction Hardware and Industrial Supplies in Claxton Bay. He received cash payment of $5,064.78 for the materials, but failed to hand the money over to his employer. Ali made a report to the Marabella Police Station on January 4 and the accused was arrested and charged by PC Nicholas Phillips. (SW)