A former Minister who admitted driving his BMW at around double the speed limit in a 15mph zone and failed to display valid insurance has been fined £575 – and warned he may lose his licence if he commits another offence.
St Saviour representative Deputy Philip Ozouf appeared in the Magistrates Court this morning to be sentenced for the driving offences.
The Court heard that on the afternoon of 2 November 2024, the 54-year-old politician had been driving his BMW at 31mph in the area of Les Ruisseaux, near Grands Vaux reservoir, where there was a 15mph speed limit.
When stopped by Police, he admitted the offence immediately after, stating: “I know, I know, I know why I’ve been stopped.”
After being pulled over by an officer, Deputy Ozouf failed to provide valid motor insurance with the disc displayed in his vehicle having expired in June 2023.
He was given up to 14 November to provide proof that he had valid insurance.
However, it wasn’t until the deadline had passed that he sent the required documentation by email, which confirmed the vehicle was in fact insured during the time of the incident.
Deputy Ozouf then failed to attend three Parish Hall dates.
He admitted this was due to negligence on his behalf, as he failed to provide the relevant information regarding his change of address, resulting in him missing multiple notices.
Deputy Ozouf said that the delay in providing documentation and failing to appear at the Parish Hall enquiries was due to a bereavement.
He pleaded guilty to both offences and expressed his remorse for his actions.
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke imposed a £275 speeding fine and decided to endorse Deputy Ozouf’s licence rather than ban him. However, he warned him of further implications if he were to reoffend.
Deputy Ozouf was fined a further £300 for failing to produce valid insurance upon being stopped and in the timeframe given, resulting in a total fine of £575.