A male driver has been ordered to pay a $700 fine after being convicted of excess blood alcohol and careless driving.

John Vodo Uluinabukeleve appeared before Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning on Thursday and pleaded guilty to both charges related to driving under the influence.

Police prosecutor, Senior Sergeant Tuaine Manavaroa, said that on March 5, at about 6.15pm, Uluinabukeleve, who was on a motorcycle, was involved in a crash.

Manavaroa explained that the defendant went to a friend’s place at around 3pm that day, had a few drinks, and did not recall what time they finished.

He said the defendant returned home, realising he had forgotten his cigarettes. He went back to his friend’s place, but later crashed his motorcycle and was taken to the hospital. His blood test for alcohol returned a result of 250 milligrams.

He was ordered to pay a fine of $400 for exceeding the blood alcohol limit, $150 for blood analysis costs, $100 for court costs of both charges, and a $50 fine for careless driving. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

In another matter, Samuel Jnr Ivirangi, who is charged with assaulting a victim on December 11, last year in Tutakimoa, could face a penalty of one year’s imprisonment.

Facing a charge of common assault, the defendant did not enter a plea and asked for a lawyer. The matter has been adjourned to March 28.