Parish Judge Maxine Dennis-McPherson was left stunned yesterday after she was informed by prosecutors that using indecent language at the airports carried a maximum fine of $50,000.

“At the airport, indecent language is $50,000? So indecent language at the airport carries a higher fine than the ordinary one?” the judge asked. Her disbelief was expressed after two defendants, Clive Daley and Sherone Stephenson, pleaded guilty to using indecent language, disorderly conduct, obstructing the police and resisting arrest, following an incident at the Norman Manley International Airport on July 15. Prosecutors informed the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that the fine is stipulated under Section 22 of the Airports Authority Act and was put in place to preserve a pristine image of the country for visitors.

“So what if I curse bad words in front of locals?” Dennis-McPherson asked.

“Well that’s a $2,000 fine. But if it is at the airport, then regulation said it is the airport premises so don’t curse bad words there,” the prosecutors informed.

The court heard that Daley went to the airport to pick up Stephenson and stopped at the pedestrian crossing, causing an obstruction. He was ordered by the police to move but did not comply. He reportedly told the police “Me nah move, enuh, unnu gi too much trouble b********t.” The police requested his motor vehicle documents and driver’s licence, to which he replied “Mi nah gi yuh nutten, yuh caah ticket me. Me nuh do nutten, f**k,” and proceeded to drive away.

He was again approached by the police and asked for his documents. Daley reportedly said, “Me say me nah gi yuh nutten because yuh caah gi me nuh ticket. Me nuh stop pon nuh pedestrian crossing. Move unnu b*********t and gweh.” Daley reportedly walked away but his behaviour was considered loud and aggressive which caused a crowd to converge. When the police tried to arrest him, he began to wriggle from the policemen’s grasp and was also joined by Stephenson, who pushed the police away from Daley and placed her arms around him.

Dennis-McPherson fined Daley $5,000 or 15 days’ imprisonment on the indecent language charge. He received the same penalty for the offence of disorderly conduct.

Meanwhile, Stephenson was also fined $5,000 or 15 days’ imprisonment for obstructing police. They were each fined $10,000 for resisting arrest or 30 days’ imprisonment. If the fines are not paid, the sentences are to run concurrently.

“When you go to the airport, behave friendly next time,” the judge cautioned.

– T.T.