Drunk driver gets away with it

Drunk driver aquitted because of the skill in which he fled police

The Murcia Provincial Court has described a year's ban imposed by a lower court as 'absurd'.

 A drunk driver has been acquitted in Spain because of the skill in which he fled the police.

It happened in Murcia on April 8 where the driver jumped an alcohol control, driving off, jumping red lights, and skidding on the curves but he did so ‘driving skilfully at speed’. When he was finally caught he gave a level of 0.45 grams of alcohol per litre of blood.

The legal level in Spain is 0.25 grams, and above 0.60 grams is considered a crime.

The magistrates in the third section of the Murcia Provincial Court have overturned an earlier sentence from the Penal Court 1 in Murcia, which had been for a year’s driving ban, a 1,080 € fine, and 33 days community work.

The judges in the higher court considered that sentence was ‘absurd’ because it makes no sense that if he was drunk, how was he capable of controlling a vehicle at great speed and even making handbrake turns?

 
What do you think of the judge's decision?

Comments

Marta said…
Justice sometimes seems to be absurd in its conclusions. Civil Guard provided empirical solid data about alcohol levels in blood of that guy. Instead of judging him on the basis of this data, they speculated about the driving skills of the accused. By doing this they're sending people a clear message: if you are skilled enough to drive being drunk you wont be finned at all. It´s crazy, isn't it?
Marta said…
Hi Graham! I'm planning a trip to Scotland this summer and I've just seen the photos you've posted on the blog: awesome!
Which month is the best one to go there: August or September?
What are the must we can´t miss?
When can the aurora borealis be seen?
Thanks!
Graham said…
Marta,

I suppose everyone, if caught, will start demanding the right to demostrate that they can drive while under the influence.

THE Civil Guard provided SOLID EMPIRICAL data about alcohol levels....
... you wont be FINED at all.


We should meet up if we coincide. Which reminds me - I need to get round to getting my ticket home.

I reckon that August is better in terms of more to do but it'll be chock-a-block.

How long do you plan to stay there for? It's essential to rent a car and the roads in the North aren't great. It takes more time than you might think especially when you stop off at places.

I'd spend two or three days in and around Edinburgh and then make your way up to the Highlands.

You should stay in B&Bs. You can book a day ahead from any tourist office or as you are driving around, look out for "vacancy" signs.

I'd explore the Higlands especially the West Coast. There are some beautiful islands, most people head to Skye.

I'd return south via another route, through Glen Coe and take in Loch Lomond area.


To be honest, I've never seen the "aurora borealis" and I don't know when you can see it. You'd see it from the North East coast but I am sure it would be more spectacular in Norway.


If there is anything else, just ask away.....
Graham said…
Marta,

After this decision, drink drivers will demand the right to show that they are capable at the steering wheel.

THE Civil Guard provided SOLID EMPIRICAL DATA about alcohol levels...

... you wont be FINED at all.



This is the second time I've had to write these comments. I lost the previous ones when the blog went down. I had written some suggestions as to what to do in Scotland. I'll answer your questions again soon.
Graham said…
OK Marta, here I go again.

Good weather is never guaranteed in Scotland so in that respect, it makes little difference if you go in August or September.

Perhaps there are more things to do in August but it'll be even busier than September.

You should rent a car and stay in B&Bs. Edinburgh is worth a couple of nights and then you should head North to the Highlands.

You could use Inverness as a base to explore the countryside or stay in a new place every night.

From Inverness, I'd make my way to the West Coast. The Isle of Skye has some magnificent scenery.

I'd head down South via Glen Coe and Loch Lomond.

I've never seen the aurora borealis but it is possible to see it along the North East coast towards Aberdeen.

I'd check out the Scottish Tourist Board webpage for info.

Any doubts, just ask. :-)