Jersey deputy apologises for speeding offence

Jersey Deputy Philip Ozouf has offered a "sincere and unreserved apology" to islanders after he was fined for speeding and failing to show a valid insurance disc.

Speaking in the States earlier, he also apologised for missing a Parish Hall Enquiry on the matter.

He said it had been an "administrative oversight" on his part and that it had coincided with the anniversary of "profoundly difficult events" that had "changed his life dramatically".

Last month, Ozouf was fined £275 for driving at more than double the speed limit in a 15mph zone and £300 for failing to show a valid motor insurance disc when he was stopped on 2 November.

He admitted doing 31mph (50km/h) on Les Ruisseaux and, while he did have insurance at the time, police found that his insurance disc had expired in June.

In a speech to States members, he said his failure to attend a Parish Hall Enquiry was a "missed opportunity" and his subsequent appearance in front of the Magistrate's Court had "understandably attracted public attention" and caused embarrassment.

Ozouf said he has since secured "additional support and guidance" to help him meet the "pressures and administrative demands of public life".

He has served in the States since 1999 and held a number of senior positions including serving as assistant chief minister and minister for treasury and resources.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].