Man breaks curfew, drives under influence, in early hours of SoE

Less than 24 hours after lockdown restrictions were imposed in response to the spike in COVID-19 cases, a young man was arrested for not only breaching the curfew but driving dangerously and driving under the influence.

SASCHA WILSON

Less than 24 hours after lockdown restrictions were imposed in response to the spike in COVID-19 cases, a young man was arrested for not only breaching the curfew but driving dangerously and driving under the influence.

25-year-old Antonio Amichan of Golconda Road, Golconda, was slapped with $6,000 in fines after he pleaded guilty to the charges during a virtual court appearance, today.

Guardian Media understands he was arrested around 10:10 pm on Sunday along SS Erin Road, Debe.

According to police reports, PC Ramroop and PC Mohammad were on mobile patrol when they observed a vehicle speeding and swerving on the road, causing the officer who was driving the police vehicle to take evasive action. The officers caused the erratic vehicle to stop and approached the driver.

The driver reportedly appeared intoxicated, and PC Mohammad administered a breathalyzer test that recorded a reading of 107 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

The man was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, breach of curfew and dangerous driving.  On each charge, Senior Magistrate Armina Deonarinesingh fined him $2,000—or in default, four months imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and given one month to pay the fines.

The curfew is from 9 pm to 5 am.  Anyone who breaches the regulations under the State of Emergency is liable to a fine of $250,000 and to six months imprisonment.