A father of two young childrenlost his only means of earning an income yesterday when he wasdisqualified from driving for three years on his second conviction for drunk driving.
Rabindranath Deonarine, 36, a tractor truck driver,was also slapped with a $12,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to the offence before San Fernando Traffic Court Magistrate Natalie Diop.
Deonarine was arrested by PCShivaRoopchan lastFriday after he was stopped around 10.32 pmduring a routine road checkat Papourie Road, Picton Village.
Prosecutor Sgt Kassiram Lutchman said Deonarinewas 50 microgrammes above the legal limit whichis35 microgrammes.
Deonarine asked for a "lil time to pay (the fine), saying he has a wife and two children, ages nine and one year old. He admitted that in August 2002 he was convicted for a similar offence at the Siparia Magistrates Court and fined $3,500.
In handing down the sentence, the magistrate told him that she has often told peoplethat by their very conduct they tied the hands of the court.
She said on a second conviction for a drunk driving offence the court was mandated to disqualify a person from driving for a period of time.
When he realised that the court was taking away his licence, Deonarine pleaded, "That's my form of work. How will I be able to work and pay this (fine) off then?"
The magistrate told him she may appear to be harsh but he should have considered that before he got behind the wheel while intoxicated.
"The law is the law. You have a duty to obey the law. Do not drink and drive," she said.
The magistrate advised him that after six months he could make an application to the court to get back his licence. If he fails to pay the fine in two months he will serve 18months hard labour.
She also commended PC Roopchan for his diligence in detecting such offences.