The court was told how the woman had been driving up Footes Lane towards the traffic lights at Rue des Varendes just before 1am. She saw a car driven by Karl Billington go through the traffic lights from left to right in front of her on the wrong side of the road.
She followed the car to L’Aumone and then pulled in front of it to prevent the driver from going any further. She thought she could smell alcohol on Billington’s breath and phoned the police.
When officers arrived he told them he had had few drinks at home before going to Town to get some food. A test at the Police Station identified 79mcg of alcohol per 100ml of his breath – more than double the legal limit.
Asked to describe the actions of the witness, Billington said ‘fair play to her,’ and said he would have done the same.
The 36-year-old, of Rue de la Perruque, Castel, admitted drink-driving. The court heard that he had previously worked as a bus driver but would now have to leave the island.
Defending, Advocate David Domaille said his client had remained at the scene and made full admissions to police officers when they arrived.
He deeply regretted his actions and this was the first matter on his record.
Judge Gary Perry said the defendant’s offending was aggravated by the standard of his driving as described by the witness.
He said the court formally commended the witness for her actions.
Billington was fined £900 and had his licence suspended for three years.
