St Catherine man accused of land fraud granted $500,000 bail

A St Catherine man accused of selling land he does not own and collecting $1.5 million from a woman was today granted $500,000 bail with surety in the parish court.

Dedrick Smith, 47, a driver of Byndloss district, is charged with obtaining money by means of false pretence.

In applying for bail, attorney-at-law Fabian Campbell told Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne that Smith made a mistake and would be able to make restitution if granted bail.

The Clerk of Court revealed in court the title for the land, which showed the rightful owner.

In granting bail, the judge ordered Smith to surrender his travel documents and report twice weekly to the Ewarton police.

He is to return to court on October 21.

Allegations are that in 2018, the complainant was introduced to Smith, who indicated that he had lots of land for sale.

The woman reportedly selected a lot and was told it cost $2 million.

She allegedly paid Smith $1.5 million.

Efforts to close the deal did not materialise, as Smith allegedly became elusive.

Checks with the National Land Agency revealed the true ownership of the land.

A report was made to the police and, following an investigation, Smith was arrested and charged.

- Rasbert Turner

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