$10k fine for men caught peeing in public in Spanish Town

Some men who chose to turn sections of Burke Road in Spanish Town into their personal bathroom were left thousands of dollars lighter after they were fined in the St Catherine Parish Court on Wednesday.

The group of offenders, all charged with unlawfully disposing waste in a public place -- meaning urinating in public -- were each slapped with a $10,000 fine or five days in jail under Section 46(1A) of the National Solid Waste Management Act.

One man, Marlon Tomlin, ended up paying even more. He was fined $15,000, after the judge tacked on an extra $5,000 or three days' imprisonment for smoking in public.

All the men pleaded guilty before Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle, who warned them about the steep penalties they narrowly avoided.

"The fine is as high as $500,000 for urinating in public. You have received a massive discount. You all must do better," the judge told them.

The Crown withdrew the charge of indecent exposure.

Investigating officer Damion Smikle told the court that the men were seen at various spots along Burke Road relieving themselves before they were arrested and charged.

Several attorneys noted that a major public education campaign is needed to remind Jamaicans of the law.

- Rasbert Turner

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