The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Ministry of Finance employee who was found guilty of defrauding the ministry of more than $250,000 has withdrawn his appeal that sought to challenge his conviction.

In March, James Johnson, was convicted of stealing by reason of employment, falsification of accounts and attempted stealing by reason of employment.

The former Ministry of Finance accounts clerk falsified the payment records of VMMS Business Service from December 15, 2016 to April 5, 2017, purporting to show that VMMS Business Service was entitled to receive payments nearing $500,000.

Johnson, being concerned with others, stole a total of $445,996.42 in cash from the ministry between December 21, 2016 and March 31, 2017, which he had access to by virtue of his employment.

Johnson was also accused of attempting to steal $41,115 from the ministry on April 5, 2017.

During his trial before Magistrate Ambrose Armbrister earlier this year, Johnson maintained his innocence. And at the close of the proceedings, Magistrate Armbrister found that the Crown was only successful in proving Johnson had facilitated the theft of $258,000 and the attempted theft of $41,115.

He was subsequently fined $12,500 and sentenced to two years in prison for the offences.

If he fails to pay the fines, he could risk spending an additional two years on remand.

Johnson’s attorney, Devard Francis, initially sought to challenge his conviction before the Court of Appeal.

However, when they appeared before Justices Sir Michael Barnett, Jon Isaacs and Carolita Bethell yesterday, Mr Francis said Johnson intended to withdraw his appeal.

The Crown also intended to appeal Johnson’s two year sentence.

However, Sir Michael noted that the Department of Public Prosecutions did not provide them with any submissions in respect of their application.

“No skeleton submissions have been provided,” he stated. “This court cannot be held hostage like that. In the circumstances we are going to dismiss the appeal”.