The Jamaica Star :: News ::

Carlos Hill's lawyer asks

for bail

adjustment

Francine Black

Staff Reporter

Carlos Hill's lawyer, yesterday asked the court for an adjustment to reporting conditions, which were imposed as a condition of his bail.

Hill, his brother Betram, director of Cash Plus Developments Ltd, and Peter Wilson, chief financial controller for Cash Plus, appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

K. Churchill Neita, Carlos' attorney, said it was difficult for his client to visit the Fraud Squad in downtown Kingston daily to report when he lives uptown.

However, RM Brown said it was difficult for him to alter the conditions, as he did not know what were the reasons for the judge, who granted bail, to set those conditions.

A representative from the director of public prosecutions (DPP) said that the prosecutor who was handling the case was unable to attend court and was asking for a date in July.

too long

However, Valerie Neita-Robertson, who represents Bertram, said the two- month period was far too long for her client to wait as he lived abroad and could not remain in Jamaica indefinitely. Despite this, a mention date of July 17 was agreed.

She said the Crown was yet to serve documents, which it claimed it would have before today's court date. However the investigating officer, Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey said some documents had been served already and that additional documents would be provided by the end of the day.

Carlos, Bertram and Wilson are all charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud. The Cash Plus head is, however, facing an additional eight charges; four counts of obtaining money by means of false pretence and four counts of fraudulent conversion.

It is alleged that the men were charged based on the statements of four investors. The statements indicate that a total of $8,246,147 is owed to the four.

Bertram Hill is on a $10-million bail bond, while Carlos was granted $15 million. One of the bail conditions is that the Hill brothers are to be at home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. They are also to report to the Fraud Squad daily and surrender their travel documents.

Wilson is on a $5-million bail bond with the condition that the police keep his travel documents. He is also restricted from making any contact with the entity unless ordered to do so.