Magistrate Will Francis "hammered" home the importance of responsibility to 21-year-old Keevon Smith to pay more than $5,200 of traffic-related fines in Plea Court yesterday.

The Southampton man collided with an oncoming car while overtaking on a windy stretch of North Shore Road in Smith's in November. Smith broke his leg in four places, while the driver in the other car remained unharmed.

Three witnesses told police that Smith was driving recklessly before the collision and he was charged with dangerous driving. Officers also discovered that Smith's motorbike was unlicensed and uninsured and that he was driving while disqualified.

Although Smith told police he did not know he was banned from driving, he pleaded guilty to all charges. Mr. Francis suspended his licence for all vehicles for another 24 months and fined him $2,600.

"You go around driving in this manner uninsured and you wonder why we want to hammer you for it," Mr. Francis said before sentencing.

Smith's only response: "Sorry."

Mr. Francis ordered Smith to immediately pay more than $2,500 in outstanding fines for other traffic offences, or face time in jail.

Smith also pleaded guilty to receiving a stolen television on May 4, 2000. He was supposed to face the charges on August 24, but he said he did not think he had to appear in court because the thief had already been convicted.

"It was hot, that's why we're putting heat on you now," explained Mr. Francis.

The case was adjourned for sentencing later this month.