Vincy sent packing on fraud charge in Barbados

A Vincentian who used a purloined credit card to get himself a night at a five-star hotel in Barbados is now sleeping in his own bed in St. Vincent after he appeared in the Bridgetown, Barbados Traffic Court last week Friday.{{more}}

Maxton Rowdon Ralph Joseph, 22, a marketing officer, from Victoria Village, Stubbs, St. Vincent, admitted dishonestly obtaining accommodation from Hilton Hotel to the tune of $575, on Wednesday, by falsely representing that he was in possession of an American Express Card in the name of American Cantarelli A.C. and was authorised to use it.

Magistrate Christopher Birch reprimanded and discharged Joseph and handed him over to immigration officials.

“I used to work with the company and I still maintained the card,” he said.

“I went through a period of dark times and when I spent the night in the cells, I reflected on what I did. I’m really sorry I did this and I publicly apologise to Barbadians.”

Prosecutor Inspector Martin Jones, who outlined the facts, said Joseph was employed with the company but parted ways with it. However, he kept the credit card and used it to book hotel accommodation.

One of the principals of the company received a text about the use of the card and alerted police, who arrested Joseph.

The Vincentian told them he copied the card and used it to satisfy the hotel bill.