Community service and fine for dangerous jet-skier

Tuesday 05 March 2024

A man has been fined and sentenced to community service after driving his jetski dangerously during an incident involving a paddleboarder.

Paul Brady appeared in the Magistrate's Court this week after being charged with operating his watercraft in a manner that was dangerous to other people and having no insurance.

The incident, which was witnessed by multiple people, happened in Belcroute Bay on the afternoon of 7 September.

According to a witness appeal issued shortly after the incident, the acting harbourmaster went to the bay to speak to the paddleboarder on shore, while a pilot boat crew made contact with the jet ski at sea.

Brady was sentenced to 150 hours’ community service and nine months' probation for operating the jetski dangerously, and fined £2,000 for the insurance offence.

Speaking after the sentencing, harbourmaster Captain Bill Sadler said: “This sentence sends a clear message that the kind of irresponsible behaviour demonstrated in this case is not acceptable. 

"I would like to thank the Ports of Jersey Maritime Standards team, and the Government of Jersey Law Officers, who worked together to produce the case file for this prosecution. 

"I hope this sentence makes it clear to all users of watercraft that they must abide by the law, and ensure they have adequate insurance cover for their vessels.”