Mechanic slapped with fraud charge

A mechanic of Fourth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown was on Thursday slapped with a fraud charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Adrian Cole, 35, pleaded guilty to the charge stating that he was willing to refund the Virtual Complainant (VC) in full if he was given the opportunity.
It is alleged that between September 29 and October 6, 2017 at Campbellville, Georgetown, while being solely entrusted by Harvey Suddand with $325,000 to purchase a vehicle transmission, Cole converted the same to his own use and benefit.
According to Police facts, the VC is the owner of a pick-up and had given a total of $325,000 over time to purchase the transmission to fix his vehicle.
Cole allegedly collected the money, but failed to purchase the transmission. As such, the matter was reported to the Kitty Police Station where an investigation was carried out, and the mechanic was subsequently arrested and charged.
In court on Thursday, the defendant told the court that he had already begun to repay the money, but this was denied by the VC, who indicated that they were negotiating when the suspect disappeared. He was placed on $20,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, providing he makes payment arrangements with the victim.
Cole will return to court on March 28, 2019.