Guest jailed for not paying bill

A Canadian man was today jailed for 30 after he tried to leave the island without paying his $8,000 guest house bill.

Neil Crane, 66 was a guest at Clear View Guest Suites and Villas from July 5 to September 7.

He left the guest house on September 7 and was seen by the owner standing at the bus stop with a suitcase. Crane had not settled his $8, 409 bill.

Last week, Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner remanded him into custody and gave him the opportunity to locate funds to pay the bill.

Today, Crane said he hadn’t been able to speak with his colleagues to be able to settle the bill.

“I know that we will deal with it. I had no intention of abandoning the bill.

“I did stay longer to help a friend with a personal matter. When I came here, I didn’t have enough cash to support payment right away.”

Mr Warner said he didn’t believe Crane would pay the money.

“I’m of the view that you don’t have any intention of paying this.

“In the circumstances, I’m going to sentence you to 30 days from September 9.”

Crane then said: “I can pay this right away, trust me.”

He was then escorted out of the courtroom by prison officers.