A wrecker driver was granted bail in the sum of $50,000 when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Michael Blair, 46, was arrested and charged with extortion by members of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB).

The incident leading to the arrest of Blair took place on Wednesday March 14, 2012 when police personnel were conducting an operation in the Red Hills Road area of Kingston. It was during this operation that the police noticed a motor vehicle parked along the roadway which was obstructing the free flow of traffic.

The wrecker service where Blair worked was contacted and given instructions by the police to remove the vehicle from the roadway and take it to the pound.

While he was in the process of placing the vehicle on the wrecker the owner turned up and pleaded with Blair for a chance.

Blair then demanded that he be paid $20,000 to release the vehicle. Blair told the owner that if the vehicle was taken to the pound he would have to pay more to retrieve his vehicle.

The matter is set for trial on June 26, 2012.

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