headquarters was vindicated yesterday in Magistrates' Court.

Marylou Belvin, of Green Bay Road, Hamilton Parish, was charged with four counts of theft in April 1995.

Although payments totalling more than $8,000 were reported missing from the Trust's coffers, Mrs. Belvin was charged with the theft of only four cash rent payments totalling $1,880.

But Magistrate Arthur Hodgson yesterday threw out the charges, citing numerous contradictions in the evidence.

Both the Trust's director Amanda Outerbridge and financial director Mariette Savoi told the court of the strict money handling procedures and security measures used by Trust employees. However, much of what was outlined by Trust executives was undermined by the testimony of Trust employees called by Crown counsel Lesley Basden.

Anne Evans, a receptionist at the Trust, admitted that although there were guidelines in place, payments received were not always dealt with immediately or given the proper receipts.

Trust accountant Wilhemina Heyliger said money was often left unlocked or easily accessible.