FINE defaulter Paul Scrimshaw stayed out of jail this week because he managed to borrow �200 from his father. When Scrimshaw came into Ely courthouse on Thursday, he owed a total of �1,383 for various motoring fines, some dating back as far as 2002. Scrim

FINE defaulter Paul Scrimshaw stayed out of jail this week because he managed to borrow �200 from his father.

When Scrimshaw came into Ely courthouse on Thursday, he owed a total of �1,383 for various motoring fines, some dating back as far as 2002.

Scrimshaw, of Main Street, Witchford, had paid only �190 off his fines so far, and had paid nothing since December 2006.

The court's legal advisor warned Scrimshaw that he could be jailed for failing to pay the debt.

Presiding magistrate Hamish Ross adjourned Scrimshaw's case while he made a phone call to his father, and Scrimshaw returned to court after securing the �200 payment.

"If you committed the crime, you must pay the fine," added Mr Ross, ordering Scrimshaw to pay the remaining debt at �20 a week.