A 22-year-old scooter rider has been sentenced to nine months in prison, six suspended, after refusing to stop for police in Monte-Carlo and injuring an officer during his attempted escape…
As reported by Monaco-Matin, the Roquebrune resident appeared before Monaco’s Criminal Court on Monday September 21 following the incident on September 18. Shortly after 14:00, police ordered him to stop as he rode through Monte-Carlo, but he attempted to flee.
The court heard that the man was riding without insurance, had recently used cannabis and travelled the wrong way during the incident. As officers attempted to apprehend him, he let go of his scooter, which struck another parked scooter. One officer grabbed the rider by the shoulder but was pulled to the ground by his momentum, suffering injuries that resulted in three days off work.
The defendant admitted the offences and apologised to the injured officer, telling the court that he had panicked. Judges also considered his previous convictions in France, which included driving without a licence, refusing to comply with police orders and drug-related offences.
Prosecutors had sought a 16-month prison sentence and five-year Monaco driving ban. The court instead imposed nine months, six suspended with probationary conditions, including requirements to undergo treatment, find employment and compensate the victims.
He was also banned from driving in Monaco for two years, fined €100 and had his scooter confiscated. The owner of the damaged scooter was awarded €468, whilst the injured police officer received €800 in compensation.
Image: Studio RP