The sentencing hearing for fraudster Ray Morgan was again delayed on Thursday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court as a recent stroke has rendered him immobile, making it impossible for him to appear in court.
Morgan, who is before the courts for swindling US$30,000 (approximately J$4.5 million) from reggae superstar Marcia Griffiths, has yet to begin repayment. On previous court appearance, Morgan told the court that he had insufficient funds in his bank accounts to begin restitution, and indicated further that he had assets he was willing to liquidate. But when checks were made, it was revealed that Morgan’s claims were not true.
During Thursday’s court hearing that was scheduled for Morgan’s sentencing, the court was informed that Morgan was in custody at the Half-Way Tree Police Station lock-ups, but could not be taken into the courtroom.
“Four detainees would have to carry him,” a court police told Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque.
“Poor Mr Morgan, time really catching up on him,” the senior jurist noted.
Judge Cole-Montaque’s comments came on the premise of Morgan’s antecedents that were noted in a social enquiry report. Morgan is said to have more than 90 previous convictions.
“This man has spent his entire adult life before the courts,” she noted.
When the matter was last heard in court on October 26, 2022, Cole-Montaque made her sentencing indications clear, stressing that Morgan would not escape imprisonment. He has pleaded guilty to two counts of obtaining money by means of false pretence. It was suggested by Queen’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, who represents Griffiths, that the medical journal for prisoners be present at the next court date so that the court could be furnished with an update on Morgan’s health. The judge conceded and the matter was adjourned until September 20.
It was reported that Morgan approached Griffiths sometime in 2021, purporting to be a property manager who was seeking to purchase properties to construct a museum to preserve her legacy. Morgan reportedly told Griffiths that the proposed property attracted a cost of US$2 million (approximately J$304 million) and that along with his alleged overseas colleagues, he would finance the construction. Sometime last July, Morgan told Griffiths that he would communicate with his overseas partners to expedite the process. He proposed lending Griffiths $500,000 to purchase the property.
The court heard that Griffiths was told that purchasing the property would require US$30,000 in stamp duty and taxes. Morgan told Griffiths that she should pay over the monies to him, which he later received via wire transfer. Griffiths subsequently made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Morgan.