Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

An alleged con man who has opted to represent himself will make his opening remarks when the trial begins on December 14, in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

The trial date for 39-year-old Andrew Clarke of Ironshore, St. James, was scheduled when he appeared before RM Winsome Henry on Wednesday.

Clarke, who was remanded, was arrested in October, less than three months after fraud charges were dismissed against him.

Clarke is now answering charges of obtaining money by false pretence, three counts of fraudulent con-version, housebreaking and larceny. He has insisted on several appearances that the complainants had him in court because of a drug deal gone sour.

Allegations are that Clarke met the complainant's boyfriend while he was in jail on his previous charge. The men became friends, and upon Clarke's release, he was provided with a number for the complainant.

On July 13, he allegedly called the woman and told her that he was the investigating officer in her boyfriend's case and knew that the man was being framed.

It is said that he also told her that he could assist her with getting money and clothes to her boyfriend and another relative in custody.

Between July 23 and August 16, she allegedly gave him $16,000 to hand over to them. She also paid him $150,000 for a car he claimed that he was selling.

The complainant's boyfriend subsequently contacted her and revealed that he had met Clarke in custody, but had not received the money she gave Clarke to deliver.

The girlfriend subsequently asked for her money.

Further allegations are that she saw the accused wearing items of her jewellery that she had left at her house while she was abroad in August. The police were alerted and Mr. Clarke was arrested and charged.