Bored, unlicensed driver fined for unlawfully taking vehicle for joyride

A 20-year-old man who reportedly said boredom caused him to take vehicle without authority and drive it without a valid driver’s license or a policy of insurance has been fined more than $2,000.

Leron Jones pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared before Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste-DaBreo this month.

He was slapped with a $1,300 fine for ‘taking conveyance without lawful authority’. If he fails to pay, he will spend four months at Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.

For the offence of driving without a driver’s license, he was fined $250. In default of not paying, the offender will serve seven days in prison.

He also received another fine of $750; this time for driving while not covered under insurance. If he fails to pay that sum, he will spend 60 days at the adult penitentiary.

All fines must be paid by November 28.

What the court heard happened

The court heard that on January 16, police responded to a report that two young men were seen driving off with a vehicle that did not belong to them.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 2:30 pm while it was parked at a well-known supermarket on Tortola.

The court heard that investigations into the matter were launched and the accused men were seen on surveillance footage near the supermarket in question.

During a police patrol, the said vehicle was later spotted in Road Town with three males — two of whom were minors.

They were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station and interviewed.

The court heard that during the interview, the man reportedly said he took the vehicle because he was bored and didn’t have anything to do at the time.