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MONTEGO BAY, St James — A routine traffic stop over a one-way road violation escalated into a bribery case that was later heard in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, after a motorist was accused of offering cash to a police officer during the ticketing process.

Eric Buchanan appeared before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, where he pleaded guilty to charges of bribery, no insurance coverage, no valid certificate of fitness, and disobeying a one-way traffic sign. The exact date of the offence was not disclosed. The exact date of the offence was not disclosed.

The court heard that police officers, while on mobile patrol, observed Buchanan disobeying a one-way traffic sign. He was stopped and requested to produce his driver’s licence and other relevant documents. It was then discovered that he did not have a valid insurance certificate or a valid certificate of fitness for the vehicle.

As officers proceeded with issuing a ticket, Buchanan was instructed to provide the required documentation. However, when he later returned with the paperwork, the officer allegedly observed two $5,000 notes wrapped inside the insurance cover note.

It is further alleged that Buchanan then made a statement to the officer, saying: “Officer, yuh done see what a gwaan? Tek this and gwaan officer, yuh done see what a gwaan.”

He was immediately arrested and charged.

When questioned by Judge Fairclough-Hylton in court, Buchanan denied any intention to bribe the officer, insisting it was a misunderstanding. He described the act as a “gesture,” and gave an explanation that at times was unclear and difficult to follow. He said it was raining, claimed he believed the officer was assisting him as he exited a car park, and maintained that he was simply rewarding the officer for help.

The court, however, did not accept his explanation.

In sentencing, Judge Fairclough-Hylton imposed a $30,000 fine or 30 days’ imprisonment for bribery. She also imposed $20,000 or 10 days for no insurance coverage, $17,000 or 10 days for no valid certificate of fitness, and $8,000 or 10 days for disobeying a one-way traffic sign.