An Italian waiter who lives in neighbouring Roquebrune-Cap-Martin decided to make a run for the border when he saw Monaco police officers signalling to him, but with five alcoholic drinks under his belt he decided that the law enforcement operatives were eager to pass him. He was stopped before gaining the safety of France.

Appearing in front of Monaco Criminal Court, the 35 year-old expressed his great regret but could not explain why he had not asked his wife to drive. Not only was his spouse in the car with him at the time of the incident just after midnight on March 29, but also the couple’s two children, aged three and four, Monaco Matin reported.

His defence lawyer was able to convince the court not to ban him from driving in Monaco, and as it was his first offence he was sentenced to a one-month suspended jail sentence.