PHILIPSBURG--In two unrelated cases, a man and a woman stood trial Thursday on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. Both were sentenced to payment of a fine. They also received driving bans, which were imposed on suspension.
A 35-year-old woman from Canada was sentenced for a case of drunk driving on January 21. After a long and stressful day at work, the marine tourism worker had decided to unwind together with a friend, during which she had consumed three margaritas.
On the way home she lost control of the company car she was driving and while driving at a speed of approximately 60-70 kilometres per hour, slammed it into a light pole along Octavius Richardson Road.
Police and ambulance personnel who had rushed to the scene noticed that the woman had alcohol on her breath and was unsteady.
Prosecutor Nanouk Lemmers said it was a “very stupid decision” to step into the car after having three drinks during happy hour. Stating that against the common belief that it is no problem in St. Maarten to have a couple of drinks and step into a car, the Prosecutor said it is not allowed to drink and drive.
“You could have caused a severe accident with possible casualties. This was really dangerous behaviour, said Lemmers, who found driving under the influence proven. She called for a NAf. 1,500 fine and an eight-month conditional driving ban.
Attorney Geert Hatzmann said his client had made a misjudgement. “She is responsible for her acts and is punishable, but she was no drunkard, playing with her own and other people’s lives.”
Stating that he deemed the sentence too severe, the lawyer called for a NAf. 500 fine. He also pleaded with the Judge not to impose a driving ban, as this would make it impossible for his client to do her work.
The Judge found the charges proven, but imposed a lower sentence as the Pointe Blanche resident had paid damages and had stated that she had learned her lesson. The woman was convicted to payment of a NAf. 1,000 fine, which may be replaced by 20 days in jail in case of non-compliance. A suspended six-month driving ban, with three years’ probation, was also part of the sentence.
A 48-year-old resident of Simpson Bay was found guilty of causing an accident on Long Wall Road on May 27, while under the influence. The harbour employee confessed to the charges and said he had been working double shifts.
He had consumed a couple of Desperados during the day and three glasses of vodka and water. He admitted that while driving his pick-up truck he had made a mistake and overlooked the other vehicle.
The Prosecutor also found this case proven and called for a higher sentence, because in this case another vehicle was involved. Lemmers recommended a NAf. 2,000 fine and a suspended eight-month driving ban.
“You seem remorseful and have learned your lesson,” the Judge said, in handing down a NAf. 1,500 fine, to be replaced by 30 days in jail in case of non-compliance, and a suspended six-month driving ban, with three years’ probation.
In both cases, the probation periods started immediately, as both defendants were sentenced irrevocably.
