A 25-year-old St George’s man seen holding a glass of what “appeared to be alcohol” while behind the wheel of his car has been banned from the roads for drink-driving.

Appearing in Magistrates’ Court this morning, Jamal Woodley pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle on the driving path of No 8 Car Park, Pembroke, while under the influence of alcohol on May 3.

The Crown accepted his plea and offered no evidence on the alternative charge of driving while over the legal blood-alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Nicole Smith told the court that police officers approached Woodley after they had to take evasive action to avoid being struck by his silver Toyota.

The officers noted signs of intoxication and observed that Woodley was holding a glass of “what appeared to be alcohol” in his left hand.

When asked if he had been drinking, Woodley replied: “Yeah, of course. And what?”

Woodley was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired and taken to Hamilton Police Station.

In court, Woodley apologised for his actions and told Senior Magistrate Juan Wolffe that he had been drinking because it was his friend’s birthday. He added that it would not happen again.

“What concerns me most is that you had no regard, whatsoever, for the law,” Mr Wolffe said. Referring to Woodley’s reply to the police officers, he added: “You just didn’t care.”

After handing Woodley a $1,500 fine and disqualifying him from driving all vehicles for 18 months, Mr Wolffe added: “Don’t drink and drive, Sir. This court takes this very seriously.”

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