In the Magistrates’ Court this morning, a local man was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £500 after pleading guilty to a charge of drink-driving.

Jonas BENITEZ GARCIA (43) of Genoa House was fined an additional £100 for not having a valid driving licence.

At about 2130 on 21 December 2021, BENITEZ GARCIA was riding his motorcycle after attending a Christmas party. As he drove southwards along Sir Herbert Miles Road, he collided with a motorcycle being driven in the other direction. As a consequence, the rider of the other motorcycle suffered serious injuries.

In a breath test, BENITEZ GARCIA blew 70ug – exactly twice the legal limit. At hospital, the other motorcyclist was also tested and he gave a reading of 0ug.

When interviewed by officers, BENITEZ GARCIA admitted that he did not have a valid driver’s licence for motorcycles.

A spokesman for the Royal Gibraltar Police, said: “We’d like to send a clear message to drivers that they are putting themselves and others at significant risk when getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol – and this behaviour will not be tolerated on Gibraltar’s roads.”

If anyone has concerns about a person drink-driving, they can call the RGP in confidence on 200 72500 or 199 in emergencies.