Father of two fined RM5,000 for drunk driving

KOTA KINABALU: A father of two kids was slapped with a hefty fine by the Magistrate’s Court here for driving while under the influence of alcohol and warned that such habit could lead to road accidents and at worst may result in death.

Magistrate Norhamizah Shaiffuddin imposed a RM5,000 fine, in default, one month jail on Gilbert Hendry Ford after he admitted to committing the offence at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman here on March 10.

In passing the sentence, the magistrate highlighted that road accidents occur due to people like the accused, so a heavier punishment should be given for that reason.

The 32-year-old accused, who works as a mechanic, was convicted under Section 45A (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 which carries a fine of up to RM6,000 or a maximum jail of 12 months, upon conviction.

National Legal Aid Foundation counsel, Jul Hamri Jumhani, urged the court to impose a noncustodial sentence on his client on the grounds that the accused has regretted his actions since pleading guilty in first instance. The counsel also submitted that the accused is the sole breadwinner for his family and has two children.

In reply, traffic prosecuting officer, Inspector Mohd Firdaus Che Mustafa, pressed for a deterrent sentence to be given to the accused.

In a separate case, the same court told two men, who did not have any driving licence, that they were not qualified motorists even though they may have experience in driving on the road, and fined each of them RM800, in default, one week imprisonment.

Nelson George and Vercell Eusebius Vincent pleaded guilty as charged with driving without any valid license. They were arrested at Jalan Kasigui on May 25, 2018 and Jalan Penampang on February 10, 2017, respectively.

The court further warned that their actions of driving without proper licence may affect the safety of other road users.

They were convicted under Section 26 (1)of the same Act 1987 which is punishable with a maximum fine of RM2,000 or a jail term of up to three months or both, upon conviction.