In what is thought to be the first case of its kind in Bermuda, yesterday the father of a 17-year-old Warwick youth was fined $1,300 for allowing his son to ride an oversized cycle ? while paying insurance for it.

Jose Ferreira, 50, of Ten Pin Crescent, told Acting Senior Magistrate Tyrone Chin he had ?no idea? that his son, Sean, had modified the engine of his auxilliary cycle?s engine capacity to beyond the 50 cc limit for 16 and 17 year old riders.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and for using fraudulent plates.

Eventually Mr. Chin fined the teen $1,000 for driving while disqualified for reason of age, $1,000 for driving without insurance and $350 for using fraudulent plates.

Jose Ferreira pleaded guilty to making false statements in obtaining the insurance for the cycle and was fined $300.

He also admitted he allowed his son to ride illegally when disqualified by age and was fined $1,000. ?I had no idea he was building up his motorcycle,? he told the court.

Mr. Bannister spent considerable time in court researching the exact amount Mr. Chin was to fine both men.