The owner of a loan agency was let off the hook after a parish court offered no evidence against him for the offence of stealing a 2000 Toyota Rav 4 from a client.

The accused, Robert Nooks, pleaded not guilty to the charge of larceny of a vehicle when he stood before Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

The allegations are that on October 23, 2021, the complainant borrowed $300,000 from the accused man. The 2000 Toyota Rav 4 motor car was used as collateral. It was agreed that she would repay this money with interest by November 23, 2021. The interest amounted to $51,000.

The complainant, who did not appear in court, failed to make the payment and it was agreed with Nooks that she will pay three payments of $51,000 for three months, ending in January 2022. The court was told that she made payments, but was short each month.

When the money was not paid, Nooks reportedly went to her home and asked for the vehicle and she complied. The accused man already had the title for the vehicle when she used it as collateral. He then sold the vehicle for the outstanding sum.

The woman made a report to the police and Nooks was charged for stealing the vehicle on January 28, 2022, contrary to section 5 of the Larceny Act.

“Your Honour, in this matter, the prosecution offers no evidence against the accused man,” the prosecution said.

“Mr Nooks, the learned clerk-of-courts, has offered no evidence against you, Sir, you are free to go,” Cole-Montague told him.

“Thank you, Your Honour,” Nooks said.