ANTIGUA OBSERVER- A 58-year-old hotel steward has been banned from driving for the next 90 days after pleading guilty in the St John’s Magistrates’ Court to driving without insurance.

Franklin Shoy admitted to committing the offence on May 22 on the Anchorage Road.

Police officers on mobile patrol in a marked vehicle reportedly observed Shoy’s car stopped in the centre of the road near the bridge. He was seen speaking with a young woman.

The officers approached and asked why he had obstructed the roadway.

Shoy explained that he had stopped to ask the woman if she needed a ride. He apologised but was arrested, taken into custody, and later charged. His vehicle was impounded and taken to the Government Motor Pool.

In court, Shoy admitted that the vehicle was neither licensed nor insured. He told the magistrate that he had been experiencing financial difficulties and was therefore unable to regularise the vehicle.

Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason told Shoy he should have left the vehicle parked and taken public transport, warning that such actions put both himself and others at risk.

Shoy was convicted and fined $2,500, which must be paid within 30 days or he will face a 30-day prison sentence.