A man who reportedly claimed he was in a position to obtain a contract for three persons to be part of a band to perform in Europe was granted a total of $180,000 bail yesterday when he appeared in Court One charged with obtaining money by false pretence.
Michael Haley, Managing Director of Platinum Record Studio, pleaded not guilty when the three counts were read to him by Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.
It is alleged that on June 3, with intent to defraud, he obtained $35,000 from Roy-Clive Elias by falsely pretending that he was in a position to obtain a contract for him to be part of a band to perform in Europe. It is further alleged that on April 17, he obtained $35,000 from Bhupendra Deolall so that he might acquire a contract for him. On May 22, he allegedly obtained $35,000 from Philip Beaton to obtain a contract for him.
Elias told the court that he was told by Haley that he was going to travel to Europe on June 6. However after his return from Suriname, he was told that the dates had been changed and the new date was August 9. He said that he received no satisfactory answer from Haley as to why the dates had been changed.
Haley, 46, of 72 Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was represented by attorney Vic Puran who told the court that his client had an arrangement with the complainants that he would get contracts for them to travel to Europe in August. However, he said that the charges were laid because a friend of the parties convinced the men that they were being duped. Puran asked for reasonable bail to be granted.
However Police Prosecutor Inspector Stephen Telford asked for bail to be denied. He said there was the likelihood that Haley may flee the jurisdiction. Further, he said that additional charges are expected to be laid against Haley shortly.
Telford said that when Elias contacted Haley he was given no satisfactory answer as to why the dates had been changed.
Elias then said that he was told by Haley that his visa was approved although he had his passport in his possession. However Puran said that the date of fruition of the contract had not reached.
Haley was then placed on $60,000 bail on each charge and will make his next court appearance in Court Two on July 8.
