PLP candidate Scott Simmons has a criminal conviction for fraud and was also asked to resign from a job because his bosses were unhappy with the way he handled transactions, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Mr. Simmons, a former policeman, was fined $1,000 at Magistrates' Court in 1996 when he pleaded guilty to obtaining money by false pretences and selling a car he pretended to own but which was mortgaged to Bermuda Homes.

Bermuda Homes re-possessed the car after Mr. Simmons had sold it to a woman - without telling her it was chattelled to the bank - when he failed to keep up with payments.

Mr. Simmons confirmed yesterday that he had the conviction and said he had not told the Progressive Labour Party about it.

He is standing against lawyer Trevor Moniz of the UBP in constituency 9, Smith's West.

"I did not have that conversation (with the PLP). I really didn't think it was an issue, but I am not sure what anyone else thinks about it," Mr. Simmons told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"It was a mistake on my part and I am very remorseful and sorry that it happened. I was most helpful in the ensuing investigation, there was a decision and I was fined $1,000.

"From time to time we make mistakes in life and sometimes they come back to haunt us. It happened some time ago and I decided to move on with my life.

"I've made mistakes but this way (standing for election) is a way of getting back into the community and giving something back."

His biography on the PLP's website says he is currently working with Trinity Construction.

But he left last year under circumstances the company will not disclose.

Mr. Simmons says the information is a "misprint" and he left the company for other opportunities in the construction industry.

A Trinity Construction spokeswoman said on Wednesday that Mr. Simmons had left last year.

When asked yesterday where he had gone and why, the spokeswoman said: "We don't know where he has gone and we don't want to relinquish why he left. That is something we want to keep to ourselves. We want to remain speechless on this."

Mr. Simmons' biography does not mention that he worked for Cambridge Beaches between February, 1997 and December, 1997 in charge of a food and beverage outlet, and that he was asked to resign.

A Cambridge Beaches spokesman said yesterday: "I can confirm that Scott Simmons resigned at our suggestion. We were unhappy with the way in which certain transactions were handled.

"At the time of hiring Mr. Simmons, I do not believe we were aware of his previous conviction."

Mr. Simmons said yesterday: "It was an in-house matter. They were concerned and I felt it could not be bridged and I finished with the company. There were no hard feelings."

When asked if any money was missing, he said: "Not that I was aware of. It was inconsistencies they were looking at and it was felt I should leave. There was nothing bad and no bad feelings. I enjoyed my time at Cambridge Beaches."

Mr. Simmons joined Bermuda Police Service in 1986, resigning in 1990.

Mr. Simmons' opponent Mr. Moniz refused to comment yesterday.

The Royal Gazette asked PLP chairman Walter Roban yesterday if the party was aware of Mr. Simmons' conviction and it had any comment to make, but got no response. But the party website states about Mr. Simmons: "The PLP is excited to add another young successful Bermudian willing to serve the community to the winning PLP team for the general election."

Mr. Steede is not the only candidate standing in the election with a conviction for dishonesty.

The Royal Gazette reported last month that the UBP candidate for Sandy's North Central Anthony Steede was convicted in 1990 of stealing money earmarked for a youth programme.

UBP leader Dr Grant Gibbons said last month that Mr. Steede had "done his penance" and given back to the community.