School teacher accused of raiding friend’s bank account

A Primary school teacher was yesterday charged with stealing a woman’s ATM card and withdrawing money from her account on two occasions.

Patricia Sobers, 28, of First Street, Industry, pleaded not guilty to the charges read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.

It is alleged that on December 26, 2014, Sobers stole $30,000 from the bank account of Kateja Hall. It was also alleged that on December 28, 2014, she withdrew $20,000 from the account.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru stated that Sobers, who knows Hall, stole the woman’s bank card and withdrew the cash. Hall made a report to her bank and a review of a surveillance footage showed Sobers withdrawing the cash, Mangru added.

Nonetheless, Sobers’ attorney sought reasonable bail for her as she stressed the innocence of her client, whom she said had an unblemished record.

She said Sobers is gainfully employed as a teacher at Plaisance Primary School, has a permanent residence and poses no risk of flight.

Bail was then set at $25,000 on each charge. The matter will be called again on June 2nd.