A single father was fined more than $5,000 yesterday for six driving offences dating back to 1998.

Trevor DeSilva, 38, asked the court to be lenient, but was told that he would pay $5,300 or face 455 days in prison.

DeSilva, of Tribe Road No 6, Warwick, faced two charges of having no vehicle licence, two charges of having no driver's licence, and two charges of having no third party insurance on two different occasions back in 1998.

He told the court that he had completely forgotten all about the offences and the court appearance dates, and so was only coming before the court now.

And he asked Magistrate Edward King to consider that he was responsible for a teenage child before passing sentence.

But Mr. King said: "You are an irresponsible child-raiser. You can't forget. You might forget your wife's birthday or your anniversary, but not that you are running from the Police.

"I want some money (from you)."

DeSilva was ordered to pay $2,500 for one offence of driving without insurance, and $1,000 for the other.

He must pay $750 for each of the offences of driving without a vehicle licence, and $100 and $200 for each of the charges of having no driver's licence.

DeSilva has until the end of November to pay the fines.

Mr. King did not say whether the default sentences for the two occasions were to be served consecutively or concurrently. The usual practice of the courts are that related offences are to be served concurrently but offences occurring on different days should be served separately.