A young banker from La Turbie has appeared in court without a lawyer to answer a drunk-driving charge.

When police arrived to the overturned car at the Sainte Devote bridge at 02:50 in the morning of June 8 this year, they found the defendant’s vehicle on its roof after a collision with a safety barrier, local French-language daily Monaco Matin reports. There were no injuries but the accused had drunk enough alcohol to register 0.83 mg/l, more than three times over the legal limit.

“I could have killed someone. I took the risk of drinking and driving and I will regret it for the rest of my life. For four months I haven’t been able to sleep. This moment has taught me a lesson and’ve taken the decision to never drink and drive,” the driver told the court in an impressive mea culpa. He added that he was prepared to accept his responsibilities.

The prosecutor asked for a fine of 2,000 euros and a ban on driving in the Principality for three months. The tribunal agreed with the fine and added an extra three months to the driving ban.