A 29-year-old psychologist, employed with the Student Support Services Unit of the Ministry of Education, has appeared in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates' Court charged with stealing $39,000.
Rene Holford, of Perseverance Road, Maraval, stood before Magistrate Brian Dabideen when the matter was called yesterday. It is alleged that on June 26, 2009, Holford stole $25,000, being the proceeds of First Citizens Bank, Maraval. She is also alleged to have stolen $14,000 on September 18, 2009.
According to the charges, the money was drawn with the use of a cheque on the account of Slyvia Annie Lubeth, which was made payable to Holford.
Holford was granted $100,000 bail by Justice of the Peace Oliver Boodhu after she was charged over the weekend.
However, Magistrate Dabideen said he was concerned Mark Pouchet was allowed to use his ID card as a bail surety for Holford. "I am not willing to accept that... Holford will have to get a new bailor," Dabideen said when the matter was called yesterday morning. The magistrate was on the verge of issuing a warrant for Holford's arrest, after she failed to appear in the 11th Court when the matter was called shortly after 11 am. The matter was stood down for 1 pm, and Dabideen threatened he would issue a warrant if the accused failed to appear in court.
In company with her attorneys, Holford appeared before Dabideen at 1 pm. Keith Scotland, one of Holford's lawyers, said when the case was earlier called, they were seated in the First Court, where fraud related matters were usually heard. Scotland also informed the magistrate his client was a national of Barbados and had been employed in the country for the past five years. He said the accused had surrendered her passport to police. In response, Dabideen said he was not generally inclined to grant bail to foreigners. He adjourned the matter to Thursday so the accused could present a proper bailor to have her bail regularised. Scotland is assisted by Asha Watkins and Celeste Jules. PC Deodath Seepersad of the Fraud Squad laid the charge.
