By Roy Sanford, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE Sean Paul was yesterday fined $2,000 after he pleaded guilty in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court to the charge of using profanity at the recently-concluded Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall, St. James.
Describing the matter as the "most expensive bad word in the history of Jamaican bad words," Sean Paul's attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson, told the court that his client was extremely sorry for his actions.
"He has demonstrated a high degree of contrition and he wishes to apologise to the court, his fans and the larger community," Mr. Tavares-Finson said.
HOPES IT WILL BE FORGOTTEN
He said that the deejay, whose real name is Sean Paul Henriques, had disappointed many people since his songs have always been void of 'slackness'. "He hopes that this affair will soon be forgotten," he stated.
Mr. Tavares-Finson requested of the court that his client be admonished and discharged but that plea was turned down by Senior Resident Magistrate for St. James, Valrie Stephens. She said she wanted to hear Sean Paul himself say that he was sorry for the offence.
"I was out of place," Sean Paul said, in a low but clear voice to the court. "There were a lot of people there and sometimes that is how I express myself. I am very sorry."
Speaking to reporters after the court proceedings, Sean Paul again expressed his contrition over the matter. "I know I was going to be charged for the statements I made," he stated. "I've learnt my lesson."
Sean Paul, who took time to sign autographs for fans and take pictures with them, was originally expected to appear in court on Wednesday, July 29, and a warrant for his arrest was issued when he did not show up. However, the warrant was stayed until September 1 after Mr. Tavares-Finson told the court that the artiste was out of the island on prior engagements.
Yesterday, Ms. Stephens ordered the warrant for the artiste's arrest be vacated and she told him that she hoped the offence would not be repeated.
If the fine is not paid, Sean Paul is expected to serve 10 days in jail.
