Drink-driver returns to island for punishment... 10 years later

Friday 26 May 2023

A 45-year-old man who admitted drinking and driving in Jersey 10 years ago – then "panicked" and fled the island before being sentenced – has returned to face his punishment.

Jose Goncalves appeared in the Magistrate's Court this week, almost a decade after the offences.

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris decided to remand him in custody until sentencing on 8 June, saying: "We can't have it outstanding for another 10 years."

The court heard that Goncalves's drinking and driving offences had been committed on two consecutive days, on 28 and 29 August 2013.

He had admitted them and sentencing had been postponed to allow time for a Social Enquiry Report.

But in the meantime Goncalves and his family had moved to King's Lynn in Norfolk.

Advocate Sarah Dale, defending, explained: "His mental health was in a poor state. He was worried he would lose everything. He panicked, and left the island with his family.

"He has returned specifically to sort this matter out."

She added that Goncalves had recently had a scan for suspected cancer and asked for him to be released on bail to England to attend a medical appointment.

But the Assistant Magistrate refused and said that if the case was dealt with on 8 June Goncalves would be able to return in time for it. He ordered a new background report.