A St Andrew businesswoman accused of defrauding Red Stripe of more than $13 million was back in court yesterday charged with absconding bail.

Judith Mullings-McGregor was remanded until September 7.

The court heard that the accused was offered $5 million bail but failed to appear on April 27 and May 8.

The prosecution said she eluded the police for a number of months and was arrested only after lawmen got intelligence she was at a location on Dumbarton Avenue.

The court also heard that the surety who bailed the woman had his vehicle seized by bailiffs and a fee of $200,000 would have to be paid before it could be returned.

Resident Magistrate Lorna Shelly-Williams said she would reduce the fee significantly after the surety told her that he had assisted the police in trying to locate the woman.

It was reported that detectives from the Fraud Squad took Mullings-McGregor into custody in November 2010.

Allegations were that over a period of time, she collected liquor on consignment for her store in New Kingston.

She allegedly sent Red Stripe several cheques, which were later dishonoured.

Red Stripe called in the Fraud Squad and following investigations, she was arrested and charged.

Mullings-McGregor has been remanded. She is to return to court on September 7.