A few days ago, Mario Clarke was not only certain that the summons he had was a repeat of his alleged traffic violations, since he could not have been reported for two similar offences five minutes apart.
Clarke, of Ashton Hall, St Peter, went before acting Magistrate Elwood Watts in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on Monday.
He insisted then that the summons he held in his hand was a repeat of another one already dealt with by Magistrate Graveney Bannister. That charge was for setting down passengers other than at a bus stop at 12.10 p.m. on June 24, 2014, along Black Rock Road.
After his claim was investigated, it was confirmed that even though it was the same policeman and the same date involved, there was a five minutes difference in time and the summonses carried different numbers.
Clarke then pleaded not guilty to the second charge.
The matter was adjourned until July 23 for trial, but Clarke showed up today, apologized for missing court yesterday, and changed his plea.
He was fined $600 forthwith or 60 days in prison. Further, the minibus driver was ordered to pay $50 court costs in relation to the warrant which was issued for him since it was the second time he had missed a court date.