Syed to be tried March 2015

(CNS): The former president of the UCCI, who is accused of going on a spending spree on a government credit card to the tune of some $200k, will face trial in connection with allegations of theft and fraud next year. Hassan Syed (47) appeared in the Grand Court for the first time on Friday morning, when the trial date was set for 2 March 2015. The court heard that the indictment, which will allege some fifteen counts of theft, obtaining a pecuniary advantage and property by deception, had not been completed by the crown when Syed appeared and as a result the former university boss was not arraigned, although it is understood he will plead not guilty to all charges. Represented by James Austin of Campbells, Syed was bailed to return to court in November to enter his pleas.

Hassan Syed returned to Cayman from Switzerlandl ast month after being on the run for some six years. The crown had sought to extradite him but because he is currently fighting cancer he agreed to return if he could be bailed in order to receive treatment.

Syed is currently on a house curfew between 9pm to 8-30am and is wearing an electronic monitor. He is to report to police regularly and the court is holding a bond of $50,000. The local family with whom he is staying has put up a further surety of $400,000 based on their home. He has also surrendered both his Canadian and Pakistani passports.