Professional cyclist sentenced for drunk driving in Monaco
The cyclist received a suspended prison sentence - © Pixabay
In his sport, he is regarded as one of the best sprinters in the world.
On 12 May last, at 11.35 “in the morning,” stressed the presiding judge at the criminal court hearing on Tuesday 20 June, the driver of a two-wheeler caught the police’s attention, as he was acting in a risky, not to say dangerous manner while attempting to park in the Fontvieille district. As they approached the driver, the officers noticed that he was displaying all the signs of being intoxicated. The individual was breathalysed and, unsurprisingly, the result was positive.
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As procedure dictates, the man was taken to the Sureté Publique to check his blood alcohol level. It certainly was not a waste of the officers’ time: the test showed 1.46 mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, which means almost 3g per litre of blood, whereas the authorised alcohol limit is 0.5g.
A resident of the Principality, he explained that he had spent part of the night in Monaco nightclubs prior to going to bed at 3am and waking up a few hours later, at 9am. “You have to wonder whether he went to bed or fell into a coma,” commented the presiding judge, given the level. The file indicated that the sportsman had wanted to take a friend to his hotel that morning, and it was on the way back home that he was stopped and tested.
“An example for young people”
The prosecutor said: “The gentleman took an unnecessary risk by driving under the influence, especially at a time of day when there are a lot of people on the roads. In addition, we are dealing with someone who, through his profession and notoriety, can be seen as an example for young people… It is unfortunate. I do note, however, that he did not return to his vehicle immediately after drinking, which is the only mitigating factor in this case.” The prosecution argued that a fine would not have sufficient impact given the defendant’s income, and requested a three-month suspended sentence.
The cyclist’s lawyer considered these demands to be “harsh” . “My client had just returned from the United States, and thought that his tiredness was mainly due to jet lag. He didn’t think that the level would be so high after six hours’ sleep. I would also ask you to note that he is a high-performance athlete and that he needs his vehicle. As for the penalty, a fine would be more appropriate.”
Absent from the courthouse for professional reasons, the cyclist was handed down a three-month suspended prison sentence. In addition, his drivers’ licence was suspended for three months.