St Andrew promoter fined $110,000 over Stony Hill party bribery case

St Andrew event promoter Ian Parkes has been ordered to pay $110,000 after admitting guilt in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court over a case linked to an illegal party in Stony Hill.

Parkes appeared in court on Monday in relation to the May 2 incident at Bowden Hill, Stony Hill. Court documents say police went to the location about 11:30 p.m. to close down an event that had not been authorised.

During the operation, Parkes was accused of trying to persuade one of the police officers to let the entertainment continue. The court was told he passed the officer an envelope containing two $5,000 bills in an effort to sway the officer.

After his guilty plea, Parkes was fined $100,000 or 30 days in prison for bribery. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 or serve 30 days for the illegal event matter.

The parish judge also directed Parkes to apologise to the officer. Parkes did so in open court.

Reports said police had gone to the party shortly before midnight on May 2 and were taking action to stop it when the alleged bribe was offered.