Another refusal to conform that almost ended in tragedy. Ben (name has been changed) has just been tried in an immediate appearance in the Melun Criminal Court for driving under the influence of alcohol (0.84 mg per liter in air) as a repeat offender, without a license, driving while exposing others at the risk of death, refusal of obedience and contempt. Events that occurred in Guignes on december 1st around 2 am.
The scene is worthy of an action film.A man driving a 600 horsepower Audi RS7 at night, in the middle of the Seine-et-Marne countryside, realizes in the village of Beauvoir that he is being followed. “I go to Mormant, I go around in circles. The vehicle is still chasing me. I called the police because I thought it was an attempt to steal my car. I was a little petrified,” he says from the witness stand. He remembers the lighthouses and warnings behind him during the journey. “They took risks, forbidden directions, wrong paths…”
“These guys are ready for anything”
For eleven minutes, the gendarmes of the Melun company guided him by telephone and indicated a meeting point at the red light in Guignes. It gets there. The follower behind the wheel of his company’s Citroën Jumpy is none other than Ben, who hugs him sideways. “At the same time the police arrived. There was a summons,” continues the driver of the sedan. Not enough to calm ben down and he sets off again at full speed.
“We issued an injunction, but it is coming against us. We didn’t have a stop in the car. I step aside. I have an opportunity and I shoot his rear tire twice. But he fled,” the quartermaster says worriedly. “If my colleague and I didn’t move, we would get hit. He came to us like crazy.In 2024 I encountered seven compliance refusals from motorists. This is the first time I’ve used my weapon. I said to myself: These guys will hit the police during the next check. They are ready for anything. »
The fleeing driver gets stuck on a road. He and his passenger switch places because the driver knows his illegal and dangerous driving. When he is arrested, Ben resists. Pinned to the ground, he insults the soldiers, threatens them: “he knows people” and they “will end up on a roundabout”! He ends up in police custody.
“We wanted to make him believe we were the police”
In the area he justifies himself. “We acted stupid. But the driver of the Audi accelerated like crazy: this is what triggered in us the desire to follow him. » Same version as his passenger during the hearing: “We wanted to make him believe that we were the police.We were drunk! »
Ben states that the police were to his right, not in front of him. But he says his “shame”. and addressing them: “I’m sorry for putting you in danger. I had been drinking whisky. It’s a stupidity that has taken on sick proportions.”
This sentence makes a councilor jump. “A little stupidity? Others say you are a dangerous repeat offender. You risk seven years. This is the sixth time you’ve been arrested without a licence. It’s a lot. » Ben has just spent three days in Fleury-Mérogis.“I had time to think. I’m having a hard time with my separation. But if I go to prison, I lose my daughter, my job. Everything,” he whispers.
“how do you expect us to be credible? »
Honorary prosecutor, Marc Mulet reads his criminal record on his screen. For driving without a license he was fined 200 euros in 2013, 400 euros in 2014, 500 euros in 2015, 500 euros in 2018…and for the same reason he will be judged in February 2025. “With the events of 1 December, six people were arrested times for this and the total fines amount to almost 2,000 euros. How do you wont us to be credible? People don’t care about the police and the justice system,” he says.
Against this “public danger” he requires eighteen months of imprisonment, of which at least half will be in prison without compensation, as well as the obligation to provide treatment, to compensate the victims and the cancellation of the driving license for two years.
– How does the judicial system handle repeat DUI offenders?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Recent DUI Case
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have a special guest, Dr. Alice Roux, a legal expert specializing in criminal law, to discuss a recent and alarming case that unfolded in Melun. Alice, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Roux: Thank you for having me! It’s an critically important topic that certainly raises many questions about public safety and the legal system.
Editor: Absolutely! This case involves a man, referred to as Ben, who was caught driving under the influence with a BAC of 0.84 mg per liter while operating a powerful Audi RS7. Can you share with us the legal implications of such a case in France?
dr. Roux: Certainly. In France, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 g/L (or 0.5 mg per liter of air, which is what Ben was measured at) is the threshold for legal driving. As a repeat offender without a driving licence, the penalties can escalate quickly. He could face meaningful fines, community service, and possibly even imprisonment.
Editor: The situation escalated when Ben attempted to evade the police, believing he was being chased for a potential car theft. What does this say about the mindset of individuals like him who engage in such reckless behavior?
Dr. Roux: It illustrates a troubling blend of paranoia and bravado. Individuals in such situations often feel cornered and resort to desperate measures. In this case, the fact that he thought he was being targeted for theft rather than accepting being pursued for DUI indicates a disconnect from reality. This highlights how alcohol impairs judgment and can lead to disastrous decisions.
Editor: It’s noteworthy how the police interacted with Ben during this incident. For eleven minutes, they guided him by phone to a safe meeting point, ensuring everyone’s safety. Is this typical in police protocol during such pursuits?
Dr. Roux: Yes, it is becoming increasingly common for police to use interaction technology to manage high-risk situations. It allows them to maintain a safe distance while still attempting to resolve the situation without further endangering the public. In situations like Ben’s, where driving behavior poses an immediate threat to life, careful coordination is necesary.
Editor: The case is also significant due to Ben’s reckless driving behavior. He drove in forbidden directions and misled the police during the chase. What are the typical charges for such actions in addition to DUI?
Dr. Roux: in addition to DUI, the charges could include reckless endangerment, evading law enforcement, and potentially charges related to public endangerment due to the disregard for traffic laws. Each of these factors could lead to a harsher penalty when combined, reflecting the severity of his actions.
Editor: With all these factors at play, how do you see the judicial system responding to repeat offenders like Ben? Is there a push towards more severe punishments?
Dr. Roux: There is indeed a trend towards stricter penalties for repeat offenders, notably as public awareness of road safety increases. The judiciary recognizes the potential danger posed by habitual offenders. sentencing may include mandatory rehabilitation programs or longer restrictions on driving privileges to address the underlying issues related to substance abuse.
Editor: Thank you, Alice. This case certainly sheds light on the complex relationship between substance abuse,legal enforcement,and public safety. As we move forward, what message would you want to convey to our audience regarding responsible alcohol consumption and road safety?
Dr. Roux: The message is clear—if you’re going to drink, don’t drive. The stakes are too high, not only for yourself but for others on the road. The legal consequences are severe, and more importantly, lives can be irrevocably impacted. We each have a duty to ensure our actions do not endanger others.
Editor: Well said, Alice. Thank you so much for your insights into this pressing issue. We appreciate your time today!
Dr. Roux: Thank you for having me! Always a pleasure to discuss such important matters.