The man whom some locals dubbed a hero after he was videoed using a sledgehammer to destroy the clamp used by parking meter company Smart City Solutions Inc. (SCSI) to impound his vehicle, just over a few weeks ago, was earlier today charged with fraud when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The Court heard that Mikhail Rodrigues, a businessman of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara on August 11, 2015, at Georgetown when solely entrusted with one motor canter by Virtual Complainant (VC), Raghubeer Paul, in order that he may use same and return to the VC, fraudulently converted it to his own use and benefit.
Rodrigues allegedly sold the vehicle and did not present to the VC the proceeds of the sale.
The thirty-seven year old father of three, denied the charge; opting to enter into a not guilty plea.
Police prosecutor Arvin Moore made no motion to object to bail and the magistrate granted same to the accused in the sum of $200,000.
The matter stands adjourned to April 7, 2017, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
Shortly before Central Government ordered the 3 months suspension of the controversial parking meter contract pending a review, Rodrigues, who told media operatives he was on the precipice of insanity with all that was going on in his life, snapped when he saw his vehicle booted by SCSI and took matters into his own hand.
“I am on the edge of losing my mind. I owe my creditors, business is bad and I realise the government is incapable of helping the people and the Mayor and City Council has took it upon its own to oppress the people in support of Smart City Solutions and I have to take things into my own hands,” he had said.
Inews was informed that the businessman might face other charges for damage to property stemming from the parking meter ordeal.
