'Erratic' driver spotted by off-duty officer was two times over limit

Friday 16 December 2022

A motorist who was caught driving erratically by an off-duty police officer has been banned from the roads and sentenced to community service for drink-driving.

Paul Samuel McAllister (36) was two times over the drink-driving limit when he was spotted around 01:30 on Mont Cochon on 1 October, the Magistrate's Court heard this week.

St. Helier Centenier Paul Huelin told the Court that McAllister's car had been crossing over the central white lines and had no headlights on.

He failed a roadside breath test and gave a urine sample at the police station for a further test.

It showed 234 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres – a little over two times the legal maximum of 107 milligrams.

Advocate John Borg, defending, said McAllister had parked his car in the Sand Street car park that evening and had intended to walk home, but decided to drive while passing the car park.

He accepted that the offence 'crosses the custody threshold' but added: "This is his first appearance in the Magistrate's Court. He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and he has been fully compliant."

Relief Magistrate David Le Cornu agreed to deal with the new offence with 90 hours' community service and a driving ban of 20 months.