Debe operator Ravi Bissoon’s failure to learn from his mistakes have resulted in him being disqualified from driving for three years and slapped with a $9,000 fine. Bissoon appeared before San Fernando Traffic Court magistrate Rehanna Hosein on his second breathalyser offence.
The first time he was fined for refusing to subject himself to a breathalyser test. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested around 2.13 am on Saturday during a road traffic exercise along the SS Erin Road, Debe. He told the police he had a few drinks of rum. The breathalyser tests revealed recordings of 87, 79 and 84 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Asked by the magistrate if he did not learn his lesson, Bissoon said he did not know he was so intoxicated. She ordered him to pay $2,800 forthwith and allowed him until May 2 to pay the remainder of the money. If he fails to pay the fine he will serve three years in jail. Sawmill operator Ravi Sookdeosingh also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. Sookdeosingh, who admitted to drinking vodka, was arrested during the same road traffic exercise in Debe.
However, his breathalyser tests recorded readings of 129, 114 and 127 microgrammes respectively. He told the magistrate he went to a birthday lime with a designated driver. However, when he was ready to leave he could not find his driver. She fined him $6,000 or in default three years hard labour. He paid $5,000 forthwith and has to pay the balance by April 22.