The District Court in Samoa has ordered the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Toomata Alapati Po'ese, to pay a court fine of 150 US dollars or face three months in prison if he defaults.
The cabinet minister has been convicted of two charges of careless driving after he pleaded guilty following two separate car accidents last year.
In delivering his ruling, the presiding judge, Tauiliili Fao Harry Schuster, reminded the minister of the seriousness of the charges and suggested he use his driver if he is too tired from his official duties.
The minister said the second accident, which happened on Savaii island, was the result of him being too tired.
