By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
THREE men contesting their convictions relating to a $28,000 false declaration case will have their appeals heard jointly next month.
James Curling, owner of Tycoon Management, is contesting his conviction for failing to declare and making a false declaration to a US customs officer at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) concerning $28,401 in his custody on August 14, 2015
His employees at the time of the incident, Patrick Pinder and Dion Feaste, are also contesting their respective convictions for abetment to failing to declare.
When Curling’s matter was called in the Court of Appeal yesterday, it was suggested by counsel that all three matters be heard jointly, as the case was tried as one matter.
The appeal was further adjourned to April 6.
Last July, Curling was fined $1,000 by Magistrate Samuel McKinney, who convicted him on the charges.
It was alleged that Curling gave $9,075 to his employee Pinder and $10,000 to Feaste, another employee, while he travelled with $9,326.
The employees were convicted of abetment to failing to declare and fined $500 each, which they paid to avoid three months incarceration at the Department of Correctional Services.
Curling paid the $1,000 to avoid three months in prison.
At trial, which was prosecuted by Sgt 1406 Philip Davis, Magistrate McKinney heard testimony from a US customs officer who said Pinder claimed no one had given him the money, but admitted that his boss had purchased his ticket.
Feaste reported his $10,000, which he said he had accumulated over a period of time. Feaste said that he worked for Curling, who was already in the departure lounge. Curling was taken from the international departure lounge at LPIA and found with $9,326.
Wayne Munroe, QC represented the trio at trial and on their appeal.
Ambrose Armbrister and Randolph Dames appeared for the Crown respondents in yesterday’s appellate hearing.
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