Man penalised for driving while disqualifiedA 35-year-old man caught driving while disqualified told Magistrates’ Court he was using the car to take his asthmatic son to hospital.Robert George Petes, of Nu-Castle Lane, in Hamilton Parish, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified on October 20 last year, but asserted he had a family emergency to attend to.Crown counsel Susan Mulligan said Petes was stopped by police around 10.29pm, near the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ), in Flatt’s Village.According to one officer who was on patrol in the area, a dark coloured Toyota Corolla failed to stop at a stop sign at the junction with North Shore Road.The officer stopped the car and learnt the driver had been disqualified from all vehicles from November 24, 2009, until November 23 last year.Petes was informed of the offence and allegedly made no reply, according to the officer in a statement read to the court.Another officer at the scene reported a similar sequence of events.Petes said: “My son had an asthma attack. His mother was away in school at the time, that was the only reason I was driving, she was doing a course.”Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said the police’s evidence made no mention to the medical emergency.Petes was handed a $500 fine and seven demerit points for the offence. In addition, he was disqualified from driving all vehicles for two years.Mr Warner warned Petes that if he was caught driving again during this period, he would likely receive a term of imprisonment.Crystal Caves inspires new fantasy bookBermudian author Susan Palmer has released a children’s book featuring the hidden mysteries of the Island.‘Freedom of Choice: The Vagabond’s Tale’ is billed as a children’s fantasy ‘An Exciting Tale of Folklore and Mythology in the Island of Bermuda’, according to US publishers Dorrance Co.Chelsea, a nine-year-old orphan, uncovers the secret entrance to the Crystal Caves, where a mermaid gives her a riddle that will reunite her with her parents.According to the publishers: “During her quest, young Chelsea learns some important lessons about life, and particularly the lessons of respect and tolerance. She also shares with us a heartwarming and exhilarating look at native Bermudian life and customs.”Ms Palmer, who works at the Crystal Caves, says she was inspired by her love of the caves.lUseful web link: www.dorrancebookstore.comDrug addict stole vodka from shopA confessed heroin addict admitted shoplifting a bottle of vodka when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court.Devon Foggo, 30, pleaded guilty to the theft, which took place on August 14.Crown counsel Cindy Clarke told the court that at around 1.59pm that day, the manager of Henry’s Liquor/Pantry Store in Southampton called police, saying he had seen a man steal a bottle of vodka.The suspect had already left by the time police reached the store. An examination of the footage from the store’s security camera showed a man taking a bottle off a shelf, putting it in his pants and walking outside.Foggo was arrested later after he returned to the store and was recognised by staff.In court, Foggo said: “I have a problem. I’m on methadone treatment now. I was never caught with drugs, but I have had a problem with drugs.”Asked by Magistrate Juan Wolffe what drug he had a problem with, he said heroin.“I want to move forward,” Foggo said. “I’m trying to move on with my life.”Mr Wolffe responded: “Don’t say it, just do it.”The magistrate ordered a social inquiry report and a drug assessment be carried out before sentencing. He released Foggo on $1,000 bail with a surety of a like amount.lUseful website: www.bps.bm.