Rehabilitation Leads to Reduced Penalty in Drunk Driving Case

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A young man who damaged public property while driving under the influence of alcohol avoided a lengthy prison sentence after his lawyer confirmed he had stopped drinking. The case, heard in the Lower Criminal Court, concluded at first instance with a BD1000 fine.

The case, detailed by defense lawyer Taqi Hussain, involved an incident where the defendant, while heavily intoxicated, lost control of his vehicle and collided with a metal barrier. The accident caused damage to public property, and the driver was also cited for following too closely to the vehicle in front of him.

The court heard arguments from Lawyer Hussain who stressed that his client had completely stopped drinking after the incident and was committed to rehabilitation. He highlighted that this was the defendant's first offense, characterising the accident as a human error with unintended consequences.

"My client's young age and lack of experience contributed to this incident," he told judges, suggesting a degree of youthful indiscretion rather than inherent criminal intent.

"Sending my client to prison will negatively impact my client's future, his employment, and his ability to support his family," Mr Hussain added, noting that the defendant suffers from a chronic illness, and incarceration could exacerbate his condition.

The court, citing legal precedents allowing for judicial discretion in sentencing and the possibility of reducing penalties based on mitigating circumstances (Article 17 of the Penal Code), opted for a fine instead of imprisonment.

The judge considered the defendant's remorse, lack of prior offenses, and the mitigating circumstances presented by the defense. The 1000 dinar fine covers all charges against the defendant.