Linden man fined $85,000 for trafficoffences and disorderly behaviour

An Amelia’s Ward man was fined a total of $85,000 after he pleaded guilty to two traffic offences and disorderly behaviour when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Christiansburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Oslin Adams of 115 Amelia’s Ward, Linden was charged on Monday with driving motor car PKK 3346 and using it for a purpose other than what it was licensed for. On the same day he drove the same vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public and also behaved in a disorderly manner. All the offences took place on Republic Avenue, Linden.

When the cases were called in the morning Adams was absent and three arrest warrants were issued for him.

However, he turned up approximately one hour before court ended and the matter was recalled.

Adams pleaded guilty and apologized for his actions but he appeared shocked when the magistrate read the penalties out to him. For using the vehicle for a purpose other than it was licensed he was fined $15,000 or in default two weeks’ imprisonment; for dangerous driving he was fined $50,000 or in default one month imprisonment and for disorderly behaviour $20,000 or one month imprisonment.

Adams said he did not have $85,000 and pleaded with the magistrate to grant him one week to come up with the amount.

His request was denied since Magistrate McLennan said she was not convinced he would return within the specified time to pay the fines.

Adams walked out of the court handcuffed and was led away to a Linden police station. He was subsequently released after relatives turned up with the cash before court was adjourned.