Six months in jail for traffic offences

Keyon Allen, a Biabou man who had plans of travelling to Canada to take up a job, would instead spend the next six months behind bars.

When he was brought before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, Allen pleaded guilty to two traffic offences.

The Spring, Biabou resident was charged that on April 10, 2017 at the Biabou public road, being the driver of motor vehicle P4004, he did drive that said vehicle whilst being disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s permit for one year at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court by magistrate Bertie Pompey on March 15, 2017.

He was also charged that on that same date and place, being the driver of motor vehicle P4004, he did use the said vehicle without there being in force a policy of insurance in respect of third party risk.

The court heard that Allen was spotted driving a 1990 Toyota Sprinter less than a month after his licence was suspended and officers attached to the Traffic Branch gave chase.

He later surrendered and came out of the vehicle with his hands up.

On Tuesday, Allen asked the chief magistrate not to send him to prison, because he is expected to travel to Canada in two months time as part of the “apple picking” programme open to Vincentians.

“So, that means you’re allowed to be lawless?” Browne-Matthias questioned.

Allen further explained his travel expectations, but failed to explain why he was driving his motor vehicle without a licence.

“Well, you’re not going to Canada,” the chief magistrate told him.

She further told Allen that it seems he believed that because he was leaving the country, he would become lawless and drive just a few days after having his licence suspended.

Allen was then sentenced to six months imprisonment and ordered to immediately pay a fine of $700 with regard to the insurance charge. If Allen fails to pay the fine, he would spend seven weeks in prison.(AS)