Man Sentenced to Prison in Monaco for Drunk Driving Incident
A man with multiple prior convictions faces prison after being caught driving under the influence.
On the evening of March 23, a 43-year-old man from Roquebrune was apprehended by Monaco's public security after a server at Gerhard's Café reported him for leaving the establishment in a drunken state while riding a motorcycle.
Shortly thereafter, he was stopped near the Casino de Monte-Carlo, where a breathalyzer test indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.73 mg/l.
The individual had an extensive criminal record, including ten previous convictions in both French and Monegasque jurisdictions, several of which were for driving under the influence.
Given this history, the public prosecutor opted for a severe response, leading to an immediate court appearance on March 24 following a brief detention.
During the court proceedings, the presiding judge, Florestan Bellinzona, questioned the defendant about his repeated offenses, expressing concern about the potential risks his actions posed to others.
The defendant, visibly remorseful, attributed his behavior to a series of personal issues, including the passing of his father and the health problems faced by his family members.
He stated, "I do not wish this life on anyone at this moment; I find myself alone managing all of this.
It’s a disaster.
That night, my mind was elsewhere.
I was not paying attention and did not measure the consequences.
I hardly ever drink."
The prosecution, represented by first deputy prosecutor Valérie Sagné, requested a two-month prison sentence and a two-year driving ban in Monaco.
Sagné expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of socio-educational measures, highlighting the defendant’s lack of acknowledgment of his alcohol problem and the considerable risk of reoffending.
Defense attorney Me Eva Barilaro-Fabre argued for a more lenient sentence under a probationary regime, noting the defendant's difficult familial context and the need for support.
She emphasized that such an approach would not only serve as a warning but also address the underlying issues related to his alcohol consumption while allowing him to maintain his professional situation.
The collegiate bench, considering the history of the defendant, delivered a relatively lenient sentence of five months' imprisonment, with four months suspended under a probationary regime that includes mandatory treatment and employment requirements.
Shortly thereafter, he was stopped near the Casino de Monte-Carlo, where a breathalyzer test indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.73 mg/l.
The individual had an extensive criminal record, including ten previous convictions in both French and Monegasque jurisdictions, several of which were for driving under the influence.
Given this history, the public prosecutor opted for a severe response, leading to an immediate court appearance on March 24 following a brief detention.
During the court proceedings, the presiding judge, Florestan Bellinzona, questioned the defendant about his repeated offenses, expressing concern about the potential risks his actions posed to others.
The defendant, visibly remorseful, attributed his behavior to a series of personal issues, including the passing of his father and the health problems faced by his family members.
He stated, "I do not wish this life on anyone at this moment; I find myself alone managing all of this.
It’s a disaster.
That night, my mind was elsewhere.
I was not paying attention and did not measure the consequences.
I hardly ever drink."
The prosecution, represented by first deputy prosecutor Valérie Sagné, requested a two-month prison sentence and a two-year driving ban in Monaco.
Sagné expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of socio-educational measures, highlighting the defendant’s lack of acknowledgment of his alcohol problem and the considerable risk of reoffending.
Defense attorney Me Eva Barilaro-Fabre argued for a more lenient sentence under a probationary regime, noting the defendant's difficult familial context and the need for support.
She emphasized that such an approach would not only serve as a warning but also address the underlying issues related to his alcohol consumption while allowing him to maintain his professional situation.
The collegiate bench, considering the history of the defendant, delivered a relatively lenient sentence of five months' imprisonment, with four months suspended under a probationary regime that includes mandatory treatment and employment requirements.
