NEWSDAY

Tuesday, April 21 2015

A FOURTH year medical student, whose breathalyser test registered double the legal alcohol limit, yesterday appeared before a Tunapuna magistrate to answer the charge. Steven Swarath, 23, was charged with failing a breathalyser test and appeared before Magistrate Indira Misir-Gosine in the Third Court.

His attorney, Fareed Ali told the court that Swarath who pleaded guilty, went to drop off a friend in Champs Fleurs on Friday last when he decided to have five drinks of rum and sprite. At about 10.30 pm, Swarath decided to make his way home, when he was stopped by police officers.

Ali asked the court to consider that it was Swarath’s first time before the court and his career as a medical doctor now stood in jeopardy if he was convicted.

Misir-Gosine scolded Swarath, telling him he had disgraced his parents as what he did was irresponsible. The magistrate said she would consider giving him community service but it will depend on whether his record was clean. She then asked that a search be done to ascertain if Swarath has a criminal record and/or pending court matters. The case was adjourned to April 28.