KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man was ordered to compensate an art evaluator over an outstanding $4,000 evaluation fee when he appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

Ernie Green appeared before the court to answer to charges of obtaining property by false pretence.

The court heard that Green had brought a painting to be evaluated by the complainant but did not pay the woman the evaluation fee.

Green explained that he was sent by a Mr Newman to have the evaluation done. According to Green, Mr Newman had given him $20,000, which he said he had initially tried to pay the complainant but, according to him, the complainant told him to pay some other time.

The defendant said Mr Newman subsequently died.

However, Judge Chester Crooks noted that due to Green acting as an agent for Newman, the responsibility would fall on him.

After asking the complainant, Crooks said it was understood that Green was only to pay a $4,000 fee for her doing the evaluation.

Green agreed to pay the money.