Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The pending trial of a St James man accused of stealing approximately J$3 million, which he was given to purchase a house, is to get under way in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on July 29.

Owen Allen, a contractor from Barrett Hall, is charged with fraudulent conversion. He had his bail extended when his case was mentioned on Wednesday.

The court was told that the prosecution's case-file was completed, and a date would be set for full disclosure to be made to Allen's attorney.

According to the allegations, sometime prior to February 2014, the female complainant, who was previously residing overseas, sent funds for Allen to buy a house for her. However, on her arrival in Jamaica, the complainant discovered that the house had not been bought, and Allen had reportedly used the money for himself.

A report was made to the police and Allen was subsequently arrested and charged. However, it was not disclosed when the money had been sent to the defendant, or when he was arrested.