Conditional Discharge for College Student

February 22, 2011

In Magistrates Court this morning [Feb 22] Magistrate Juan Wolffe handed down a conditional discharge after a college student pleaded guilty to using offensive words during an interaction with the Police.

The 21-year-old Bermuda College student was charged with two traffic offences and one criminal offence. He pleaded guilty to all three and was fined $750 for riding without valid third party insurance, and $250 for riding without a current licence.

The third offence was the use of offensive words. The DPP offered the Police statement that on 6th January 2011, he had been seen riding the unlicensed cycle on Sourthside near the Ice Cream parlour located at the Main Gate. On being approached by the officers and questioned about the bike and his use of the unlicensed cycle, the Police officers said that he had become aggressive.

Police evidence was that he said: “You’re c&%ts. You’re pu%$ies. I’m not signing no f&%#ing papers.” He asked what Police were doing about the shootings up west.

Speaking in his defence, he said that he was taking the bike back to his girlfriend and that he thought that it had been licensed and was properly insured. He said that the licencing and insurance matter had been resolved two days later. About his behaviour towards the Police he said: “It was a mistake.”

Magistrate Wolffe said that this offence was serious and if convicted, he could have a criminal conviction on his record. The Magistrate pointed out that a criminal conviction could be a blot forever and might jeopardize his future because if asked if had ever had a criminal conviction, he would have to answer yes.

Magistrate Wolffe then said that in light of his youth and his status as a student, he was minded to give him a conditional discharge on this third count.

The Magistrate pointed out that with a conditional discharge, provided the conditions were not breached, he would, in future, be able to say honestly that he had no criminal conviction in his past.

Magistrate Wolffe then awarded a conditional discharge, for twelve months, explaining that he would have to make sure that he stays clear of the Courts for the next twelve months.

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Comments (2)

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  1. JimmyJohn says:

    No accountability for the actions….what is this teaching the younger kids?

  2. Reality says:

    I’m just curious as to why Bernews decided not to publish the offenders name? Once a person is brought before the courts then their information is deemed public (and is search-able) unless otherwise directed by the judge.
    Continuing to do this will make me weary about the quality and the information in stories Bernews publishes online.