Delay in sentencing convicted fraudster

The sentencing of a convicted fraudster has been pushed back until April 29.

High Court Justice Randall Worrell gave the adjournment in the case of Winston Decoursey Clarke on Tuesday, as he is still waiting on a report from Dodds Prison.

Clarke, of 7th Avenue New Orleans, St Michael, had previously pleaded guilty to uttering to Neo Graphics, four banknotes purporting to be issued by the Central Bank of Barbados, knowing them to be forged; and obtaining money on the forged instruments, on March 22, 2013.

The banknotes were given to the business to pay for printing a banner requested by Clarke who is also a graphics artist. When an official of the business went to deposit the money at the bank, she was informed it was counterfeit.

The businesswoman then contacted Clarke and told him about the development, and he told her he did not know the money was counterfeit.

“I am extremely sorry for what has transpired. I am hoping to make amends . . . . I ask that the court has mercy on me in this matter,” Clarke told the court on Tuesday.

His attorney Rashida Edwards urged the court to impose either time served or a fine in the range of $500 on her client for the crime.

Senior Crown Counsel Olivia Davis countered, saying that the court should impose a fine in the region of $750 along with court costs.

The keeper of records at the Barbados Police Service Criminal Records Department revealed on Tuesday that Clarke has 40 prior convictions, including one for unlawful killing; two for wounding; four for robbery; six for theft; four for criminal damage; eight for burglary; and one under the Computer Misuse Act.