Woman accused of posing as a witch in court
Last Updated: Thursday, December 24, 2009 | 1:42 PM ET
CBC News
A Toronto woman accused of posing as a witch in order to defraud a lawyer of tens of thousands of dollars has made her first appearance in court.
Vishwantee Persaud appeared through a video link for a brief preliminary hearing at a Toronto courtroom on Thursday morning.
She has yet to retain a lawyer, so her case was adjourned until Jan. 12. She remains in custody.
None of Persaud's family members was in the courtroom. Neither was the man she is alleged to have defrauded, Noel Daley, a veteran criminal lawyer.
Persaud was arrested earlier this month for allegedly defrauding Daley of more than $100,000. Police said Persaud told Daley that she came from a long line of witches and could do tarot-card readings.
She gained Daley's trust by telling him she was the embodiment of his dead sister, who Persaud said wanted to help him achieve financial success, according to police.
Persuad faces eight fraud-related charges — including one count under an obscure section of the Criminal Code dating back to 1892 that prohibits fraudulently exercising witchcraft or sorcery.
Share Tools
Latest Toronto News Headlines
- At leadership review, Tim Hudak says PCs offer 'hope'
- Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak is facing a leadership review at his party's annual general meeting in Niagara Falls. more »
- Health-care advocates slam Drummond report
- A public health advocacy group is accusing the Ontario government of manufacturing a crisis to justify billions of dollars in health-care cuts expected in the highly anticipated Drummond report. more »
- Toronto gets a rare taste of winter
- The threat of a flash freeze in parts of southern Ontario failed to materialize Friday as there was no rapid drop in temperatures, but the Toronto area is still dealing with cold temperatures and localized blowing snow. more »
- Allergy alert issued for Sweets From The Earth
- People with milk allergies are being warned not to consume certain Sweets From The Earth products because they contain milk which isn't declared on the labels. more »
Top News Headlines
- Manitoba trailer fire kills 4
- Four people are dead after an early-morning fire quickly engulfed a residential trailer in Selkirk, Man. more »
- Harper's China visit ends with panda pact
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrapped up a visit to China aimed seeking new investments by officially announcing that Beijing will loan two of the country's prized giant pandas to Canadian zoos. more »
- Attawapiskat sites not ready for modular homes
- The first two of 22 modular homes promised by the federal government to Attawapiskat are on their way to the remote northern Ontario community, but the minister handling the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio is expressing concern over the "readiness" of the lots. more »
- Romney wins Maine race, Republican officials say
- Mitt Romney eked out a narrow win in Maine's Republican caucuses, state party officials have announced, providing his campaign a much-needed boost after three straight losses earlier this week. more »
- Ultimate Tazer Ball combines shock and soccer
- Prayer service held for Ontario van crash victims
- Toronto gets a rare taste of winter
- 'Stranger danger' tips key to protecting kids
- At leadership review, Tim Hudak says PCs offer 'hope'
- Toronto doctor's 'magic pill' goes viral
- Toronto warned of wintry weekend
- Harper's China visit ends with panda pact
- 'Is Marriage for White People?' author on Metro Morning
