Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Barrington McLeish, who stole a motor car he rented, and was found operating it as a taxi, was sentenced to 12 months hard labour in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

The court learned that McLeish, who is from Red Pond District in St. Catherine, rented a Toyota motor car from the complainant for two days in April of this year. The rental was $3000 per day. The complainant waited for Mr. McLeish to return the vehicle but it was not returned. A report was made to the police and McLeish was caught on July 15 operating the car as a taxi in Portmore, St. Catherine.

When he reappeared before RM Lorna Errar Gayle he pleaded guilty and asked for time to pay the money to the complainant. The money amounted to $226,000. The RM asked if he had the money in his possession and he said no.

He was subsequently sentenced.