Smoking in public lands man in hot water

A St James man who was arrested for breaching the regulations against smoking in public was extremely grateful when the St James Parish Court heeded his pleas for mercy and gave him a $5,000 fine on Wednesday, June 20.

Fifty-two-year-old Patrick Rodriguez pleaded guilty with explanation to smoking in a public place, which is in breach of the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations of 2013. The details behind his arrest were not outlined in court.

"I really never understood the system of public place," Rodriguez told presiding judge Sandria Wong-Small.

"I thought it was around people that it meant. I'm begging you for leniency ... . It's the first in my life I'm ever coming to a courthouse," said Rodriguez.

Wong-Small told Rodriguez to stop smoking.

"Can you imagine, all of 52 years you've never come to court, and is a cigarette bring you here?" she said. "The maximum fine you would pay is $50,000, but I will fine you $5,000 or 10 days," Wong-Small continued.

"Thank you for leniency," Rodriguez replied.