Man jailed after being caught drink-driving twice in six months

Man jailed after being caught drink-driving twice in six months

At a hearing in the Magistrate’s Court last week, Jose Pereira Gouveia was jailed for 12 months and banned from driving for four years after being caught while twice over the legal breath-alcohol limit in May.

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris also recommended the 27-year-old for deportation once he is released from prison.

Gouveia, who was being supported in court by two members of the public who gasped as he was jailed, also admitted driving without a licence and insurance – he had been banned from driving in December for drink-driving. On that occasion, he recorded a breath-alcohol level of 112 micrograms per 100ml of breath – over three times the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

Outlining the most recent case, Centenier Michael Byrne of St Saviour said the defendant was seen driving without his lights on and swerving over the white lines as he travelled along Don Road on the evening of 12 May. He was pulled over
by officers on Victoria Road.

After providing a positive breath sample at the roadside, Gouveia was taken back to States police headquarters, where a breath-alcohol level of 86 micrograms per 100ml of breath was recorded.

Advocate Jeremy Haywood, defending, said his client’s decision to drive on the night he was caught was one of ‘utter stupidity’ and appealed for the court to impose a community service order. Gouveia
had been remanded in custody ahead of the sentencing.

‘Sometimes it takes the slam of a prison door to wake someone up,’ said Advocate Haywood. ‘Aside from these offences, there is a lot of good in Mr Gouveia. He is a responsible partner and parent. He is a man who has an excellent work ethic.’

Advocate Haywood said his client had moved between Madeira and Portugal and then to France and then Jersey looking for work to support his family.

Mr Harris said a custodial sentence was ‘unavoidable’.

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