Court takes outstanding fines from chef’s salary

AN EXMOUTH man appeared in court for failing to pay fines dating back five years ago.

Ryan James Bright, 21, of Briac Way, also pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour at The Strand on May 22, and for damaging a police phone on May 23 this year.

The magistrates' court at Exeter heard he had failed to attend a court hearing on June 9.

Karen Ball, prosecuting, said on the night of May 22, Bright had reacted to allegations made against him by swearing loudly.

An officer had tried to calm him down but arrested him when, swearing, Bright said: 'I pay my taxes.'

While in custody he smashed a police phone, valued at �100, which he had been given to call his mother.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on June 9 and he was arrested at 11.20pm on Monday, June 15.

In mitigation, James Calderbank said Bright could not remember the incident, including breaking the phone, and had thought he was due in court the following week.

He said of the disorderly behaviour: "He had far too much to drink that night and was behaving like an idiot really."

He said Bright, a chef at the George and Dragon, worked six days a week and had a net monthly income of �900, but added that �250 was spent on petrol because he had a car with a large engine.

Bright, who has paid �700 off his previous fines, still has �545 outstanding. He has defaulted on payments since January this year.

Chairman David Jarrett granted him a conditional discharge for six months.

He ordered that he pay compensation to the police at �100, a �50 fine for failing to appear at court, and �75 in costs.

He added that he had a 'cunning plan' to make Bright pay up and the court would take 17 per cent, �120, from his salary each month.

He said: "You might need to modify your motoring expenses, mightn't you?"

However, he said he was impressed that he worked hard and had taken this into account.