A MOTORIST whose car mounted a pavement close to pedestrians while he was over the legal alcohol limit has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service and banned from the roads for 21 months.
Mark Vinyu (39) had five vodka and tonics before getting behind the wheel of his black Mini on 4 February.
St Helier Centenier Danny Scaife, prosecuting, said that as Vinyu drove along Rouge Bouillon one of his wheels briefly mounted the pavement, close to two pedestrians.
Neither was injured.
When stopped by the States police his car was found to have a flat tyre, caused when he struck the pavement.
A breath test at police headquarters gave a reading of 75 micrograms of alcohol in 35 millilitres of breath. The legal maximum is 35 grams.
Vinyu admitted drink-driving and careless driving, and told the court: “I can only apologise. I take full responsibility.”
Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke said the offences could have resulted in four months in jail and told Vinyu: “You could have caused serious injury.”
But he gave him credit for his guilty plea and noted: “You are clearly remorseful and you were co-operative with all the authorities in your dealings with them.”
He also ordered that Vinyu must retake the driving test after the ban has elapsed before being allowed to drive again.
