FORMER Presentation College student Anthero Mootoo was found guilty yesterday of committing fraud in the 2008 Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations.

Mootoo appeared before San Fernando Second Court Magistrate Melvin Daniel and was represented by attorney Michael Persadsingh.

He was convicted for having prior knowledge of the Mathematics Paper II.

Sgt Gilbert Kennedy, the Fraud Squad officer who laid the charge, testified that he was told by Mootoo that another pupil had informed him, about one month prior to the exam, that the paper was available for sale for $3,000.

The court heard from Kennedy that Mootoo told him that he could not afford to purchase the paper at that price but agreed to pay his classmate $500 for a copy.

Mootoo also told the police that he was also unable to come up with the $500 and arranged to get a free copy from another pupil.

Daniel said yesterday he was satisfied that the State had proven its case against Mootoo.

Persadsingh asked the magistrate to consider a reprimand and discharge under Section 71 of the Summary Courts Act in which a magistrate has a discretion to reprimand and discharge the convicted person in exceptional circumstances.

Daniel however said he was concerned that someone as young as Mootoo would be prepared to use dishonesty as a vehicle to get ahead. He said the court is mindful of the possible effect of Mootoo’s actions.

Persadsingh said Mootoo has learnt his lesson and is determined to walk ’the straight and narrow path’.

The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday (September 2) when sentence is expected to be passed.