his local employer.

Colin Clive Andrew Cave faces 12 counts of stealing and 24 counts of false accounting.

The alleged thefts took place between July and December 1995. Individual amounts range from $310 to $25,000. The total amount stolen was $54,871.05.

Yesterday, Crown Counsel Peter Eccles told the nine-woman, three-man Supreme Court jury: "In essence, this is a fraud case, an embezzlement case.

"It boils down to the accountant helping himself,'' he added.

Cave was hired as a comptroller of BVH Ltd. in 1995. Twelve of the false accounting charges correspond to the twelve charges of theft from BVH.

The remaining 12 false accounting charges stem from Cave's dealings with Bayland Ltd., a US subsidiary of Davison's of Bermuda.

Det. Con. Gary James Wilson, of the Commercial Crimes Department, yesterday said allegations of theft were brought to the attention of Police by the analysis and review performed by Davison's accountant.

But he told defence lawyer Mark Petingill the transactions under scrutiny were not well hidden.

In many circumstances Cave had used his initials to indicate his personal involvement, Det. Con. Wilson said.

Barbara Flower, an employee of Bayland Ltd., also testified yesterday.

She explained the company's cheque and money handling procedures to assisting Crown counsel Charlene Scott and said she had once been involved in business dealings with Cave in Baltimore.

Mrs. Flower also said Cave had claimed to be a vice president of Davison's.

But according to Mrs. Flower, there was only one vice-president in the company.

Yesterday, Puisne Judge Richard Ground reduced Cave's bail requirements from $50,000 with two sureties to $25,000 with one surety. The trial continues today.