Man Sentenced For Making A False Report About A Stolen Rental Vehicle.
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By Alric Lindsay
Freddy William Bodden Cordero appeared in the Summary Court today, June 29, 2026, to face sentencing for making a false report, attempting to obtain services by deception, careless or inconsiderate driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident. The Chief Magistrate sentenced Bodden to three months’ imprisonment; however, he escaped jail time because the Chief Magistrate suspended the sentence for two years. During this time, Bodden will be on probation.
Regarding the background, Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions explained that in July 2025, Bodden was involved in a single-vehicle accident while driving a rented Honda Fit. He crashed into a fence and fled the scene. He falsely reported that the vehicle had been stolen.
Bodden was later interviewed by police after DNA hits were discovered on the crashed vehicle. In the circumstances, Bodden made full admissions regarding the false report that the vehicle had been stolen and accepted that he left the accident scene and failed to make a report.
Turning to the burglary, the Chief Magistrate raised questions about the veracity of the story of Bodden being assaulted, his safe being forced open and being robbed of a large sum of money. One reason for the questions was to determine whether Bodden also made a false report about the burglary. The Chief Magistrate stressed that the answer to that question would enable her to reach a conclusion whether Bodden was a person whose word she could accept.
Arguing on Bodden’s behalf, his attorney, Ms James, clarified that Bodden was not charged for making a false report about the burglary. Instead, he was only charged for the false report about who was driving the Honda Fit.
Concerning the Honda Fit rental, it was noted that the owner was compensated by the insurance company.
Sentencing Outcome
After considering submissions from counsels, the Chief Magistrate said the starting point for the sentence was six months. However, the Chief Magistrate reduced the sentence to three months after considering Bodden’s early guilty plea, cooperation, and personal circumstances as a father of three children. The three-month sentence was suspended for two years.
During the two years, Bodden will be on probation with the following conditions:
** participation in counselling assigned by his probation officer
** random alcohol and drug testing
** completion of 100 hours of community service (in lieu of fines).
Breach will result in custodial sentencing.
Regarding the charge of obtaining services by deception, DPP Crown Counsel noted that the DPP would not be pursuing the charge. Therefore, the Chief Magistrate returned a verdict of not guilty on this charge.
