Former Labour Permanent Secretary, Brian Singh has been convicted of three counts of false pretence and has been remanded in custody for sentencing next week.
Singh was convicted this morning by the High court Judge Justice Sitambaram-pillay Thurairaja after a 12 day trial.
Brian Singh between 24th of May 2002 and 2nd August 2002, with intent to defraud, caused the government to pay the sum of $8,739 by falsely pretending that the money was for the payment of a business class air ticket when in fact the money was used to purchase the cheaper economy class air ticket and he pocketed the difference for his own benefit.
The second count stated that between February 2003 and 7th April 2003 with intent to defraud, Singh caused the government to pay $4,311 by falsely pretending that the money was for the payment of an upgrade to business class air ticket from Hunts Travel service when in fact the money was later paid out to him by Hunts Travel service after cutting its commission.
For count three, the former Labour Permanent Secretary, with intent to defraud, caused the government to pay the sum of $9,724 by falsely pretending that the money was for the payment of a business class air ticket when in fact the money was used to purchase the cheaper economy class air ticket and he pocketed the difference for his own benefit.
The Judge overturned the decision of two assessors who found him not guilty as charged saying that he is convinced that there is ample evidence against Singh and that DPP Aca Rayawa has satisfied him the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that Brian Singh committed the offence while being the Permenant Secretary of the Labour Ministry and was nominated to participate on behalf of the government in the ILO conference in Geneva and Jakarta.
He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced next Wednesday.
Story by: Shalvin Deo
