Man tries to bribe cop with $3,000 but instead fined $158,000

A St Catherine motorcyclist who admitted telling a police officer he had $3,000 while being issued a traffic ticket ended up leaving court with nearly $160,000 in fines after pleading guilty to several offences, including attempted bribery.

Gilzene Steele pleaded guilty in the St Catherine Parish Court on Wednesday to driving without a helmet, driving without a driver's licence, using an uninsured motor vehicle and attempted bribery.

Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne fined Steele $30,000 or 10 days' imprisonment for driving without a licence, $20,000 or 14 days for no insurance, $8,000 or three days for not wearing a helmet, and $100,000 for attempted bribery.

Steele was given until July 24, 2026, to pay the fines.

During the hearing, Steele told the court he believed his learner's licence was enough to legally operate the motorcycle.

The judge explained that this was not the case.

Steele also admitted offering a police officer money while being ticketed.

"Your Honour, one police was writing up the ticket, so mi tell di next one dat mi have $3,000, and dem arrest mi fi it," Steele told the court.

According to the prosecution, officers attached to the Green Acres Police Station were on patrol when they stopped Steele riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

Checks revealed that he did not hold a valid driver's licence, meaning the motorcycle was also uninsured.

While officers were issuing the tickets, Steele allegedly took out $3,000 and attempted to bribe one of the policemen.

He was immediately arrested and later charged.

Steele appeared without legal representation.

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