Sydney judge receives rare compliment

SYDNEY, N.S. — Judges usually don’t receive accolades from those appearing before them, but Monday was an exception for provincial court Judge Ann Marie MacInnes.

New Waterford resident Riley Griffin, 31, appeared before MacInnes to deal with outstanding motor vehicle fines.

Griffin requested an extension to pay and wanted the fines lifted out of default so she could renew her driver’s licence.

Not paying a fine will result in the registry of motor vehicles refusing to renew an individual’s licence, permit, plate and registration until the fines are paid. There is also a reinstatement fee beyond the fine total.

Motor vehicle fines are not eligible for the fine option program that provides offenders other means in which to pay.

Having a judge lift the fines out of default and granting a period of payment gives an individual more time to pay and allows them to renew their licence.

In granting Griffin’s application Monday, MacInnes cautioned she would only extend the payment period for six months and not the one year which she had previously granted to Griffin on other fines.

“Does this mean I can drive myself to work now?” asked Griffin.

She was instructed that so long as she is making payments, she will continue to have her driving privileges.

“In case no one told you today, you are awesome,” said a very appreciative Griffin, in praise of the judge.

The comment did catch everyone in the courtroom a little off guard, including MacInnes who smiled broadly and urged Griffin not to fall behind in her payments.

“I’ve learned by lesson,” said Griffin, in vowing not to record any further motor vehicle fines.