(CNS): Garfield Robb, who was allegedly trading illegally as a screen and shutter fitter, is accused of conning at least a dozen clients out of thousands of dollars after failing to do work that he had agreed to do, such as building screened patios and fitting hurricane shutters. According to the crown’s case, Robb, who is facing charges of obtaining property by deception, was first reported to the police around 2015, but the RCIPS declined to act, enabling him to con many more victims over the next six years.
The court heard that people had lost as much as $6,000 to Robb, and even though some had hassled him until they were able to get some money back, they were still left hundreds of dollars out of pocket. One witness said she had taken a government-backed loan of CI$3,500, which she had to pay back with interest, for the shutters she wanted on her home. Six years on, Robb still owes her CI$1,600 but has never done any work on her home, she said.
Robb, originally from Jamaica, appeared in court Thursday before Justice Frank Williams, who is hearing the case without a jury. He is represented by defence attorney Crister Brady.
As the crown opened the case against him, the prosecutor said that for most of the period that he had deceived his customers, Robb had been working without a trade and business licence, and had deliberately and dishonestly taken money from people for work he knew he would not or could not complete.
The court heard how Robb…
