In a session held on Friday at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Teriq Mohamed dealt with two separate cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
Carlson Babb, a 32-year-old resident of the West Indian Housing Scheme in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) faced multiple charges. He was found guilty of operating a motor vehicle with a breath alcohol level exceeding the legal limit, resulting in a fine of $200,000 with an alternative of three-months’ imprisonment.
In addition to the DUI charge, Babb was also charged for driving an uninsured vehicle, incurring a further fine of $25,000, and for operating an unlicensed motor vehicle, which carried an additional penalty of $10,000.
Similarly, Leondro Torres, a 30-year-old Bartica resident, appeared before the same magistrate on a DUI charge. Like Babb, he pleaded guilty to driving with an elevated breath alcohol level and was also fined $200,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in a sentenced of three months in prison.
Charged: Leondro Torres
The penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) have seen a significant increase, with first-time offenders now facing a $200,000 fine, up from the previous $30,000, and repeat offenders subject to a $300,000 fine. Additionally, those convicted of DUI offences will have their licenses suspended for 12 months, a harsher consequence than before.
In tandem with the revised penalties, amendments to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act of 2022 have placed greater responsibility on bar owners. They are now legally obligated to prevent drunkenness on their premises and are prohibited from selling, giving, or bartering alcohol to individuals who are already intoxicated. Failure to comply with these rules will result in increased fines.
The GPF has stressed that DUI and speeding remain the leading contributors to road accidents across the country, according to police statistics. (G8)
