Monaco takes tough but fair stance on drunk man caught with cocaine whilst driving his child in his car.
A man was given a four-month suspended sentence, including eight days in prison, following an incident in Monaco where he was caught driving under the influence with his child in the car and a stash of cocaine on board.
The 40-year-old who already had seven prior criminal convictions across Monaco, France, and Switzerland, was ordered to receive compulsory treatment for his substance abuse issues.
The latest episode occurred on September 29th at the Portier roundabout. The man’s erratic driving led to a minor collision, prompting police intervention. Officers quickly noted his intoxication and suspicion of drug use, which was confirmed when they found 7.65 grams of cocaine in the vehicle. During the hearing, the man portrayed himself as emotionally distraught, pleading for understanding due to his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, which he claims stemmed from a series of relationship breakdowns.
“I’ve been drinking alcohol every day for two years, and I started using cocaine three years ago,” he confessed in court. Despite his addictions, the man insisted he was not involved in drug dealing, explaining that he bought the drugs in Nice for personal use.
While acknowledging his remorse and support from his current partner, the prosecutor pointed out the serious nature of his actions, especially considering that he was driving under the influence with his child in the car. “The behaviour exhibited is highly inappropriate for someone with parental responsibilities,” argued Deputy Prosecutor Christine Mutiloa, stressing that the amount of cocaine found suggested it was intended for shared consumption rather than personal use.
The court agreed on the severity of his offenses but balanced its judgment by issuing a suspended sentence. The man was also handed a three-year driving ban and a 400 euro fine, with the hope that mandatory treatment will help him turn his life around.
