Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

A man charged with obtaining money by means of false pretence and unlawful practice as an attorney was granted bail in the sum of $1 million with surety on Monday.

Nelson Quarrie, 47-year-old, unemployed of Spanish Town, St Catherine, appeared in the St Catherine Night Court on Monday.

A successful bail application was made by Quarrie's attorney Howard Hamilton QC.

He told the court that his client was not a flight risk and the defence intended to take a certain course.

Resident Magistrate Maxine Ellis then granted bail on condition that Quarrie surrender his travel documents.

He is scheduled to reappear in court on May 7.

Clerk of Court Vivienne Fagan did not oppose bail.

On a previous occasion, Quarrie was remanded as no magistrate wanted to hear the case, as he had appeared before them pretending to be a lawyer.

The allegations are that Quarrie pretended to be an attorney-at-law and collected money from persons to represent them in court.

One of the persons who he allegedly collected $300,000 from, came to court as a witness in yesterday's hearing.

Allegations are that Quarrie's behaviour became strange to one of his clients. An investigation was launched into his credentials and checks made at the General Legal Council revealed that Quarrie was no lawyer.

He was subsequently arrested and charged by Detective Corporal Nadine Smith.