A man who said his grief over his mother’s passing drove him to drink and drive was among a dozen people referred to road safety awareness group Arrive Alive to educate himself on the dangers of drunk driving yesterday.
Otis Cabrera, of Gasparillo, wept when he appeared before Magistrate Sherene Murray-Bailey at the San Fernando Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Court prosecutor, Dianath Harrichan told the court that around 12.45 am on Saturday, officers attached to the San Fernando Police Station were conducting a road traffic exercise along Navet Road, San Fernando when Cabrera was pulled over.
He was given a breathalyser test, which showed his blood alcohol level was 122 microgrammes, 87 microgrammes over the 35 microgrammes legal limit.
When he appeared before Murray-Bailey yesterday, Cabrera, in tears, said his mother had passed away a few months ago.
He told the court he started thinking of his mother’s death on Saturday and became so upset he went out drinking.
Murray-Bailey told Cabrera that he should have considered what his mother would have thought of his court appearance.
He is due back in court on June 26 for sentencing.