Judge warns man to pay fines or face prison

A High Court judge has warned a motorist that he must finish paying his fines by his next court date in four months or be ready to go to jail.

Renaldo Ricardo Skinner of Checker Hall, St Lucy, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Fabian Campbell by driving a motor vehicle on the Warleigh section of the Ronald Mapp Highway, at a speed and in a manner dangerous to the public, on August 22, 2008.

During the sentencing hearing in February, after noting the circumstances of the case and the 17-year delay in having the matter adjudicated, Justice Pamela Beckles fined him $7 500 for the offence, $3 000 of which was due immediately, with the balance due in six months.

Failure to pay the fine will result in him having to serve the alternative of 18 months at Dodds Prison.

When his case came up for review in No. 5 Supreme Court, Skinner stated that so far he had paid $4 000 of the fine.

But Justice Beckles said: “I expect the balance to be paid in full when you next appear. No extension will be granted. So ensure it is paid by December 11 or walk with your toothbrush.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Skinner replied.

Skinner was driving a motor car travelling along the Ronald Mapp Highway and overtook two vehicles, while Fabian Campbell was travelling in the opposite direction with his young son in the car.

Skinner drove directly into the path of Campbell’s vehicle, causing him to pull his car further to the left, strike an embankment, lose control of the vehicle, and swerve onto the other side of the road before going over the railings.

Campbell died on the spot.

Acting Senior State Counsel Maya Kellman appeared for Acting Principal State Counsel Kevin Forde, while Senior Counsel Arthur Holder represented Skinner.

(JB)