A 21-year-old Pembroke man appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday to face charges of disqualified driving and possession of cannabis.

Jah-Lario Samuels, who was shot in the chest on Glebe Road on October 31 last year, yesterday pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and not guilty to possession of cannabis.

Samuels was arrested yesterday on a warrant issued after he missed two earlier court dates on April 27 and May 3. When asked by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner why he did not appear in court on the two earlier occasions, he replied: "I had job interviews."

Mr. Warner asked: "You had job interviews on both occasions?"

"Yes, I have been trying to find a job," replied Samuels.

Crown counsel Nicole Smith told the court that Samuels was stopped by Police on King Street after he disobeyed a traffic sign. He was discovered to be driving while disqualified and subsequently arrested. Samuels now has 40 driving demerit points more than three times the driving limit of 12.

Samuels pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and was subsequently fined $500 and banned from driving for two years by Mr. Warner.

"Next time you are in here for disqualified driving I will send you to Westgate," said Mr. Warner.

Samuels was also charged with possession of cannabis to which he pleaded not guilty. For possession of cannabis Samuels was bailed on $5,000. He was ordered to return to court on June 7.