A cricketer claimed yesterday he had taken a risk and driven under the influence of alcohol because he was afraid his girlfriend had swine flu and he was taking her to hospital.Randy Bissoon, 31, of Charlieville, was ordered to serve 80 hours' community service.He pleaded guilty before Chaguanas Third Court magistrate Bramanand Dubay to exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit while driving.
Bissoon was arrested around 2.30 am on Saturday after police saw his car swerving from side-to-side along the Solomon Hochoy Highway. When the police stopped the car, he smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, the court heard.Two breathalyser tests at the Freeport Police Station recorded readings of 51 mcg and 88 mcg.His attorney Sunil Seecharan described the difference in the readings as strange.
Seecharan said Bissoon's girlfriend called to say she was not feeling well. The lawyer said with so many reports about the swine flu Bissoon was concerned about her and left home to take her to the health facility.He said Bissoon was drinking at home, but he did not have a problem.Seecharan said Bissoon, a labourer, was an outstanding member of society and a role model for youth in his community. If Bissoon does not complete the community service, he will have to pay a fine of $1,500.