Christopher Thomas, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A 41-year-old furniture maker accused of trying to buy J$1,000 worth of food items from a supermarket with a fake US$10 note will return to court on October 18.

Daniel Scott, from Catherine Hill, St James, pleaded guilty with explanation to possession of a counterfeit note, uttering a forged document and attempting to obtain goods with a forged document in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court recently.

However, after hearing his explanation, Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small changed Scott's plea to not guilty.

Allegations are that on July 21, Scott went to a supermarket in Montego Bay and attempted to purchase the items with the counterfeit note. However, discrepancies were soon found with the money and Scott was subsequently arrested and charged.

"I didn't purchase any food items; I just asked them to change it (the US$10) for me," Scott told RM Wong-Small.

"Is this the first time you have come to court for anything?" Wong-Small asked him.

"No, Your Honour; I was charged for wounding one time," replied Scott.

"What happened to that matter? Were you charged money at the court?" the judge questioned.

"Yes, Your Honour," said Scott.

Meanwhile, the prosecution offered no opposition to bail for Scott, provided he be given reporting conditions.

"You will come back before this court on October 18. Bail is offered to you in the sum of $20,000 with a surety, and you will report at the Barnett Street Police Station every Monday and Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Your fingerprints will also be taken," Wong-Small advised Scott.