By Alric Lindsay
Raphael Andrew Thomas appeared before Justice Richards in the Grand Court today, November 1, 2024, to charges of forgery and uttering a false document. Thomas pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Background
Regarding the forgery charge, the Court stated that on May 30, 2023, Thomas allegedly made a false document, namely a trade and business licensing application in the name of Crystal Bird.
Concerning the second charge, the Court stated that Thomas allegedly uttered a false document, a trading business license application in the name of Crystal Bird training as a janitorial service, with intent to deceive the Department of Commerce and Investment.
Bail conditions
Since Thomas pleaded not guilty, he will face trial on February 24, 2025.
In the meantime, his bail conditions are that he must surrender his passport and stay away from all ports of entry.
Note to readers
For members of the public unfamiliar with the charge of forgery, this falls under section 285 of the Penal Code. This states:
285. A person who forges any document commits an offence and is liable, unless owing to the circumstances of the forgery or the nature of the thing forged some other punishment is provided, to imprisonment for three years.
Uttering a false document is covered under section 289 of the Penal Code. This states:
A person who knowingly and fraudulently utters a false document commits an offence of the same kind and is liable to the same punishment as if the person had forged the thing in question.
