A FORMER minister has apologised in the States Assembly for “falling short” after being fined for speeding down a “green lane” and driving without insurance.
St Saviour Deputy Philip Ozouf drove his silver BMW along Les Ruisseaux – where the speed limit is 15mph – at 31mph on 2 November.
Deputy Ozouf subsequently failed to attend three parish hall inquiries and was last month fined £275 for speeding and a further £300 for failing to produce valid insurance after admitting the offences in the Magistrate’s Court. He was also warned that he could lose his licence if he offends again.
Addressing States Members in the Chamber yesterday, Deputy Ozouf said: “I wish to make a sincere and unreserved apology to the Assembly, my constituents and the people of Jersey.”
Explaining that an “administrative oversight” on his part had led to the “missed opportunity” to resolve the matter at parish level, Deputy Ozouf said the incident occurred around the anniversary of family events that had been “profoundly difficult and changed my life dramatically”.
The former Treasury Minister – who also served as External Relations Minister in the previous government – told Members he was now better able to navigate the pressures of public life, and the high standards expected of a politician.
He added: “I now have extra support and guidance to avoid falling short in the future.”
Deputy Ozouf concluded his two-minute statement by saying: “I apologise without reservation and hope I may continue to serve with focus and commitment for the remainder of this political term.”
