MBOMBELA – Fraud accused Derek Poole finally became a free man last week when we was released from prison in Johannesburg. He had been incarcerated since his arrest in Durban in September, after he had skipped his scheduled appearances in three of the country’s courts.
His attorney Mr Godfrey Malumane said he was released after pleading guilty in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on a charge of theft on Thursday. Poole was accused of using money paid into an estate agent’s trust account. He had been marketing a property and the prospective buyer paid R203 000 into the account of the estate agent.
However, the deal collapsed and when the buyer started threatening Poole, he didn’t return his money, pending the outcome of the dispute, according to Malumane.
Poole was sentenced to eight years in prison, which was suspended on condition that he repay the money. Malumane said he already paid a portion, and would repay the balance on a monthly basis. Should he fail to do so, he will be required to serve the full sentence.
He further indicated that his client would pursue legal action against the parties involved in taking the matter, which is civil in nature, to the Criminal Courts.
The case of fraud which was instituted against Poole in Hazyview in 2013 was struck off the roll during his most-recent appearance on June 11.
Before he skipped his court appearances in August, he also faced charges of fraud and assault in Mbombela.
The police previously indicated that they might pursue these once the other cases against Poole were finalised.
Verdict expected in fraud case today, June 18 2015
SANDTON – A verdict is expected to be handed down today in the case against Mr Derek Poole.
He stands accused of fraud in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
In Hazyview and Mbombela he has also been accused of fraud as well as assault. He remains in custody in Gauteng.
Verdict expected in fraud case next month, May 20 2015
Prosecutors in the trial of the fraud accused Mr Derek Poole says they are expecting a verdict to be handed down next month.
Poole continued his trial on charges of fraud this week.
He is to reappear in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on June 18.
In Hazyview and Mbombela he also stands accused of fraud as well as assault. He remains in custody in Gauteng.
Case against alleged fraudster due back in court next week, May 14 2015
Mr Derek Poole is set to continue standing trial on charges of fraud next week.
He is to reappear in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. In Hazyview and Mbombela he also stands accused of fraud as well as assault. He remains in custody in Gauteng.
Case against alleged fraudster continues to be postponed, April 8 2015
The matter was postponed again for outstanding documents related to a case to be obtained. He is next due back in court on April 16.
He faces various charges of fraud in Gauteng. His trials have been postponed numerous times since he was rearrested in Durban in September after skipping on his court appearances while out on bail.
Poole’s case for fraud in the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court was most recently postponed to June 8. Local police have indicated that they would not continue with the charge of fraud and assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm he faces in Mbombela, until the other matters have been finalised.
He remains in custody in Johannesburg Central Prison.
- Read more previous reports here.
