For uttering a fake insurance policy at a police station after an accident, a 62-year-old man was yesterday ordered to pay a $1,800 fine forthwith.
Ramchan Ramdass, a retired messenger from the Ministry of Agriculture, could not offer an explanation for his actions when he appeared in the San Fernando First Magistrates Court before Senior Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine.
Ramdass pleaded guilty to fraud charge. He went to the Mon Repos Police Station on March 17 around midday to report that he had been involved in an accident earlier that day at the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, near the Brian Lara Stadium.
Ramdass produced to WPC Ramsawak a valid drivers permit as well as a certificate of insurance in the name of Lyndon Ramdass from Guardian General Ltd.
The policy had a Guardian General stamp on it and provided coverage for the period June 5, 2017 to June 4, 2018.
As part of her investigations, WPC Ramsawak went to the insurance company where her inquiries revealed that there was no record for the policy and the vehicle being insured by that company.
When the officer confronted Ramdass with this information at the police station on Friday, he said, “Officer, I pay a man $600 on the street for that insurance.”
Court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan confirmed that Ramdass had no previous convictions or pending matters.
Asked by the magistrate who was Lyndon Ramdass, the accused said he is his son. Ramdass said he maintains himself by working “PH”.
The magistrate said, “All these years, you reach 62, and never get in trouble with the law. Why give up your good name for $600.” Ramdass offered to pay the fine immediately. But, if he fails to pay the money he will be carted off to jail for four months.