A woman who is alleged to have obtained a car illegally had her bail extended when she appeared before the St Ann Parish Court on Thursday December 8.
She is Julian Thomas, an employee of a St Ann hotel.
Allegations are that the complainant , Sebastian Burgess, purchased a car which he decided to sell after becoming dissatisfied with the bad condition of the roads. The accused, Thomas, who at the time was involved in an intimate relationship with Mr Burgess, expressed her interest in purchasing the vehicle from him.
It is also alleged that Thomas informed Burgess that she would have applied for a loan in order to pay for the vehicle which Burgess had allowed her (Thomas) to keep in her possession while payment was to be finalized.
It is then that Thomas legally obtained ownership of the vehicle without settling payment with Burgess. Burgess had left the documents for the vehicle inside; hence, it is being alleged Thomas was able to use them to her advantage.
A report was made to the police by Burgess. The vehicle was subsequently seized by the Ocho Rios police and Thomas arrested in connection.
INTIMATE
It was said by Thomas’ attorney, Suzan Hill, that the two “were in an intimate relationship” which had ended. Hill also said that Burgess had purchased a number of things for Thomas including the car which he (Burgess) had instructed her (Thomas) to “insure in her name.” Ms Hill also told the court that Thomas has been repeatedly harassed by Burgess.
The investigating officer in the matter told the court that the documents for the vehicle were left on the inside and that is how Thomas was able to gain access to them. Additionally, he told the court that Thomas was able to apply for ownership through the tax office since she had these documents.
It was brought to the attention of parish judge, Andrea Thomas, that Thomas repeatedly sent messages to Burgess stating she “has not come up with the money as yet.” According to the investigating officer, the sender’s number was confirmed to be that of Thomas after the question of her contact number was posed in a question and answer segment.
Judge Thomas said that further clarifications will have to be made as it regards the evidence of text message which should be presented by the prosecution. Judge Thomas also questioned if Thomas had “a dishonest outset”.
Thomas had her bail extended until April 6, 2017, when the case is set for mention.
