A man told a magistrate he would rather have prison sentences than pay two outstanding fines.

Freeman Smith, 29, was sent to prison for 75 days yesterday for failing to pay fines totalling $800 for traffic matters.

Before being sentenced, Smith told Senior Magistrate Will Francis he had injuries that kept him from working and therefore he did not know when he would be able to pay the fines.

After Mr. Francis asked about a $50 fine he was supposed to pay, Smith, of Palmetto Road, Pembroke, told Mr. Francis: "I don't want to pay it.'' When Mr. Francis told him that he must pay the fine and Smith replied: "Well, do whatever.'' Mr. Francis also inquired about another $750 fine Smith was to have paid by the end of February. Smith told Mr. Francis he had recently had an accident and had no idea when he would be able to return to work and pay the fine.

"I got no idea (when he would be able to pay),'' Smith said. "I have stitches all over and a bruised leg. I tell you what, give me time for that too.'' Mr. Francis ordered Smith to spend five days in prison for failing to pay the $50 fine and 70 days for failing to pay the $750 fine.