Two and half year ban for dangerous and drunken driver

Wednesday 31 August 2016

A 22-year-old man who has applied to join the army escaped a jail term after driving through a red light while two and a half times over the alcohol limit.

The Magistrate’s Court yesterday heard Samuel Brampton admit drink driving and dangerous driving after he was spotted by police officers going through a red light in the early hours of July 5th.

Brampton was sentenced to 70 hours community service and given a 30-month driving ban, but was warned he would face a custodial sentence if he drove while disqualified.  

Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz said: “Although your dangerous driving was more of a mistake than a deliberate act it could have led to serious consequences.  

“If you drive while you are disqualified, that is an extremely serious offence and it is most likely you will go into custody.”

Centenier Shirley Madden said Brampton was caught driving through a red light on Gloucester Street at 00:35 on July 5th. 

She said: “The officers had a clear view of the road and while at the junction of Gloucester Street and the Esplanade they saw a vehicle on the wrong side of the road which had gone through the junction on a red light without making any attempt to slow down. It was through luck, rather than judgement that a collision was avoided. 

“He was stopped and because there was the smell of alcohol the defendant was breathalysed.”

That reading was 86mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath - around two and a half times over the limit. 

The Centenier added: “Under interview the defendant said he had only been in Jersey a short time and did not know the roads.  He had been drinking earlier in the Royal Yacht and Chambers. He was asked if he had been driving dangerously and replied ‘Of course it’s dangerous.’”

Defending Advocate Michael Haines said Brampton has applied to go into the army and had a good work ethic. 

He said: “The defendant went out and took a risk. He should have realised that after drinking that amount of alcohol meant he would be over the limit.

“He has a good work record and is waiting to see if his application to join the army is accepted.”