Man Fined $1,100 After Hit-n-Run
In Magistrates Court this morning [Aug 16], 25-year-old Darrin DeShields admitted his guilt in hitting a pedestrian on Tuesday [Aug 14], but said he did not stop as he was “not aware” he struck someone and thought his car had gone over a pothole.
Explaining his actions following the 10pm Front Street hit-n-run on Tuesday; he told Senior Magistrate Archie Warner that he didn’t think that he was drunk and had only driven from Rosa’s Cantina. He said it was ‘sprinkling’ at that time and that he had his bright lights on.
DeShields was charged with driving whilst impaired and with refusing to take the alco-analyzer test when required to do so by police. He pleaded not guilty to the first offence and guilty to the second. He then faced a further charge of failing to stop after an accident, to which he pleaded guilty.
The Senior Magistrate fined him $300 for the failing to stop conviction and $800 for refusing to take the alco-analyzer test. This second fine came along with a 2 year disqualification from driving any and all vehicles.
Saying that he had a job contract that lasted until 31st August, then asked the Magistrate if he would delay the start of the disqualification period until then. The Magistrate declined.
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Category: Accidents and fires, All, Court Reports, Crime, News
This whole refusing to take a test is complete and utter BS. Change that law
If you get stopped and found guilty of DUI, you get fined $1,000.
If you run someone over while drunk, drive away, then only stop after being chased by the police, you get fined $1,100.
It doesn’t make sense.
Just to help:
“He pleaded [not guilty] to the first offence (DUI) and [guilty] to the second offence (refusing to take the alco-analyzer).
He then faced a further charge of (failing to stop after an accident), to which he pleaded [guilty].
The Senior Magistrate fined him $300 for the (failing to stop conviction) and $800 for (refusing to take the alco-analyzer test).”
Now he’ll go to trial for what he has plead [Not Guilty] to. If he’s found guilty, he’ll be fined the requisite amount.
Hope this helps.
No, that isn’t right. You either get found guilty of DUI or Refusing to take the alco-analyser. It’s one or the other, not both. If you refuse to be tested, it’s essentially an admission of guilt to DUI. Refusal to take the test would normally carry the same penalty as DIU.
That is wrong, he will not go to trial for the first offence. He refused the test case closed, fined and disqualified. If the facts were read out after his guilty plea it would be at that point they could have spoke of his demeanour at the time of arrest. The magistrate may then take that into account when sentencing for the guilty pleas. This guy got off light, I hoped the pedestrian is okay it could have been worse.
That response was to Austin not you Zombie
This whole island doesn’t make sense right now!!!
Who new that refusing a breathalizer is the key to getting free. Others have been jailed for this… were’s the equal penalty for equal violation? EQUAL doesn’t exist there?
ok… I am not understanding…. HOW IN THE BLAZES DOES HE CONFUSE A PERSON WITH A FETTIN POTHOLE??????
I know Rosa’s makes a mean margarita, but really?!?!?!?!
Yup, that’s why he sped off and the police didn’t catch him till he got to Trimingham Hill. He thought they were after him for hitting a “pothole”.
But if the fine’s only $300 it pays to take a chance and run doesn’t it. I always thought leaving the scene of an accident was a VERY serious offense. Obviously, I was mistaken.
front street??? potholes?? Plus it took Police from Marine and Ports Front street to Trimingham Hill to get the guy to stop….really?? He didnt just hit the victim he ran her over and keep going… she will be scared mentally and physically for life.
In another report (Bermuda Sun) the defendant asked why the lady crossed the road as he had his high beams on. He must be one of those morons that drive everywhere with high beams blinding other drivers. I can’t figure this out, is it laziness, ignorance or do they just not care about anyone but themselves? High beams on Front Street? That’s one of the best lit roads in Bermuda.
When you’re allegedly pissed as a skunk I guess you have no idea what lights you have on.
He was found guilty. There’s no allegedly about it.
Well Bermuda does have some big pot holes…just saying. Easy to confuse.
The problem is social Bermuda has a drinking problem it has become as routine as brushing your teeth or using the bathroom. A national pass time. I thought C.A.R.D.A was celebrating that the drunk driving campaign was working now the are crying for more legislation. If I get stopped to blow through a straw I’m gonna be F**ing pissed off.. I don’t give a damn if it is advertised. You cannot just go and stop people on the roads without probable cause..
Well there you go… how to get off of drunk driving and attempted manslaughter… just refuse to take the breathalyzer test and come up with some bullSh#!about road conditions. Never mind he tried to evade the police after the incident. Well done Bermuda magistrates… a big congrats to YOU… for another loophole in the system!
Maybe he thought he hit a regiment recruiter
Does not make sense comenting on posts like this as we all know how the system is.
The police and magistrates are worried about people who are listening to Ipods while riding / driving or worried about parking tickets.
The real crime offenders are getting of lightly if not free and clear to often.
One thing ! Let Mr.Lamont ” DRUNK DRIVER” who refused to take the breathalizer test Marshall get off or get lesser charges for allegedly hitting my ace girl and almost taking her life last weekend!! There will be an UPROAR !
oh yah I forgot ! They prolly won’t even let you comment on that Post like the last one !