By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE trial into the alleged theft of $31,000 by former employees of the Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) will now be re-heard before another magistrate in March.
Benjamin Lightbourne, 26, and Kendyce Ferguson, 34, were due to return to Magistrate’s Court no 10 for the continuation of their case before Magistrate Carol Misiewicz concerning allegations of stealing the occurred between March 16 and 23, 2015.
The matter had been adjourned from November due to the magistrate’s absence.
When the matter was called last Wednesday, Magistrate Constance Delancy revealed to the pair that the initial magistrate is no longer in that capacity and as a result the case would have to be re-heard on March 17.
It is alleged that Lightbourne and Ferguson on March 16 stole $24,404.43 belonging to the BNFC, situated on Collins Avenue, to which they had access at the time as a messenger and an accountant respectively. They are further accused of stealing $6,852 a week later.
The total amount - $31,256.43 - was reportedly stolen through cheques that were drawn in the name of one of the employees who cashed them at a local bank.
Lightbourne and Ferguson, who are on $15,000 bail, maintain that they did not commit the offences, for which they can face a fine and/or up to five years in prison if convicted.
The accused have retained Ian Cargill and Terrel Butler to defend them. Police prosecutor ASP Clifford Daxon is prosecuting the case.
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