Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle yesterday granted bail to a 32-year-old goldsmith accused of fraudulently converting gold that he had been entrusted with, to his own use and benefit.

Troy Douglas of 16 Howes Street, Charlestown denied a charge of fraudulent conversion when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and was granted bail in the sum of $150,000.

It is alleged that between November 1, 2005 and January 4, 2008 at Georgetown, Douglas was entrusted with two ounces of raw gold worth $224,000 by Milton Brandford to make a ring and chain, but he fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

Attorney-at-law Abiola Wong-Inniss, who appeared for Douglas, told the court that her client is self-employed as a goldsmith and is married with two children. She stated that he had had an “impeccable reputation” and the incident stemmed from a robbery at her client’s home. She said that after the robbery, he had repaid over $7 million to persons whose items were allegedly stolen.

She added that in 2001, Douglas was instructed to make a bangle by the virtual complainant and then the theft occurred and he was never refunded for it. She said her client never received any gold in 2005.

Branford told the court that the incident did occur in 2005. Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith added that the VC had believed the defendant was robbed and that was the reason for him entrusting him with the gold again.

After listening to the submissions, the magistrate granted bail and ordered Douglas to return to court on February 5 at Court 6.