A 32-year-old Monegasque man has been sentenced to six months in prison after a shocking case of drug and alcohol addiction culminated in a car accident under the Larvotto tunnel, as reported by Monaco Matin.
The incident occurred on November 2, when the man’s car swerved across the road and collided head-on with a Porsche Cayenne and an Audi. The occupants of the SUVs were hospitalized, while the driver emerged unscathed but tested positive for cannabis and cocaine.
In court, the man admitted to consuming staggering amounts of drugs and alcohol daily: 10 litres of wine, 40 joints, and 5 grams of cocaine. His lawyer described his lifestyle as a reflection of deep-seated personal turmoil, stemming from childhood bullying and mental health struggles.
During the hearing, President Florestan Bellinzona reprimanded the defendant for his reckless behaviour, emphasizing that the victims could have suffered even greater harm. The court heard that the man had begun treatment for his addictions but failed to abstain, continuing to use substances even days before the crash.
Prosecutor Christine Mutiloa highlighted the severe impact on the victims, who required months of recovery and were repatriated to Switzerland. She expressed concerns about the man’s taxi license and argued for a strict sentence.
The court ultimately sentenced him to six months in prison, with an 18-month suspended sentence and three years of mandatory care and probation. The man also faces a three-year driving ban and other penalties.
This harrowing case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction and the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
