A man was caught red-handed violating traffic laws after he veered in front of a marked Police car.

According to Principal Crown counsel Michael McColm, Dylan Simpson, 19, overtook a line of traffic as he rode his cycle along Middle Road, Devonshire on November 30, 2007. He then headed into the pathway of the patrol vehicle, which was escorting a prison van, causing the driver to hit the brakes to avoid a collision. Simpson continued to head west, riding in and out of the traffic. The Police car driver activated the lights and siren and made him stop near the junction with Corkscrew Road.

Asked why he failed to stop straight away, Simpson replied: "I had my iPod on," according to Mr. McColm. Accused of driving without due care and attention, he replied: "Sorry, I was late for work."

Simpson, of Barry Lane, St. George's, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and without a valid driving licence when he appeared at Magistrates' Court.

He was fined $550 and given 12 demerit points — meaning he is disqualified from driving for six months.

Impaired rider banned for one year

A motorcyclist crashed and ended up in hospital as a result of too many drinks.

Eduardo Ferreira, 48, admitted riding while impaired when he appeared before Magistrates' Court in connection with the incident. Principal Crown counsel Malcolm McColm said Police were alerted to the single-vehicle crash in Middle Road, Southampton at 11.45 p.m. on October 19, 2007.

They arrived to find Ferreira being treated by EMTs and his bike by the side of the road. He explained that he lost control and fell to the ground.

Police noted the defendant, of Middle Road, Southampton, had alcohol on his breath and he was arrested after being discharged from hospital.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo fined Ferreira $800, banned him from driving for 12 months and imposed ten demerit points.

Crash driver fined after admitting drinking

A woman crashed her car after too many drinks, then ended up with a hefty fine to boot.

Marissa Dyer, 22, of Vale Close, Pembroke, admitted to impaired driving when she appeared at Magistrates' Court.

Senior Crown counsel Carrington Mahoney told the court that Police attended the scene of a single-vehicle accident in Middle Road, Devonshire, on January 13.

They found Dyer's Daihatsu jeep stationary in the road, with extensive damage to the front. She complained of a wound to her arm and injured hands, and was taken to hospital.

The Police visited her in hospital later, and noted that her eyes were glazed and she smelled of alcohol. She admitted: "I had a few Bacardi and cranberries."

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo handed her a $800 fine, ten demerit points and a 12-month driving ban.

Driver asked Police to give him a break

A bike rider spotted swerving across the central line was found to be almost three times the drink-drive limit.

Carlos Uruena, 56, was stopped by the Police on South Road, Warwick, in the early hours of March 10.

Asked whether he had been drinking, he replied: "Yes, I had a couple of beers at Elbow Beach," according to Principal Crown counsel Malcolm McColm, addressing Magistrates' Court.

The defendant, a Canadian contract worker residing in Ord Road, Warwick, went on to plead: "Can't you just give me a break, I live right around the corner?"

He was arrested, and blew a breath sample of 219 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, when the legal limit is 80 milligrams.

Uruena pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Magistrates' Court, and apologised for his actions. He was fined $800, banned from the roads for 12 months, and given ten demerit points.

Shoplifter arrested, gives false name

A 24-year-old man who stole from Arnold's Family Market and then used a false name has been fined after he appeared in Magistrates' Court.

Crown counsel Takiyah Burgess said Warren Burrows, of Clarendon Road, Smith's, entered the grocery store in Pembroke, placed grocery items in a small red knapsack and tried to leave.

But the store manager caught the act on the security camera and stopped Burrows at the door. He was escorted to the store's office to inspect the knapsack and became very agitated.

The bag contained a variety of grocery items including ground hamburger, tuna and cookies, all with Arnold's price tags on them.

Burrows then said: "I'm sorry, I could pay for it. I have money." He then gave a false name, Dean Jones and false date of birth.

Burrows was taken to Hamilton Police station where he maintained he was Dean Jones.

His personal items were searched and his voter's identification was found which revealed his real name and date of birth. Burrows then admitted both offences. He was fined $600.