Psychologist accused of stealing money

Barbados national Renee Holford who works in the Student Support Service Division of the ministry is charged with stealing $25,000 on June 26, 2009, being the proceeds of First Citizens Bank (FCB) Ltd Maraval Branch, via a cheque in her name, drawn from the account of Sylvia Annie Lubeth.

In another matter, Holford is accused of stealing $14,000 on September 18, 2009, from the same bank via the same account. These two charges are contrary to Section 4 of the Larceny Act Chapter 11:12.

Holford was arrested last Friday by officers from the Fraud Squad.

However, she was able to secure bail in the sum of $100,000 from Mark Pouchet.

Holford was not present at the Eleventh Court yesterday when the matter was first called before Magistrate Brian Dabideen. Instead, Holford and her attorney Keith Scotland, were before the First Court where they were previously informed the matter would have been called.

After ordering Holford’s name be called one last time, Dabideen then inquired from the prosecution whether there was any objection to an order for a warrant. Police Prosecutor Sgt Logan responded that although he was not objecting, “in fairness to the defendant”, he asked for the matter to be stood down until the afternoon. The magistrate granted the State its leave. When the matter was again called at about 1.20 pm, both Holford and her attorney were present in the Eleventh Court.

Scotland apologised to Dabideen and explained the mix-up earlier in the day.

The matter was adjourned to February 26.