lawyer Jailed for Drunk Driving After Recent Release
A lawyer has been sentenced to immediate imprisonment for drunk driving, just weeks after completing a previous sentence. The incident involved a collision that left another driver with whiplash adn sleep disturbances.
Jersey Police” class=”sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj”/>The defendant, identified as Steenson, was found to be more than double the legal alcohol limit, registering 82mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, considerably exceeding Jersey’s limit of 35mcg/100ml. He initially told police he had not been drinking prior to failing a roadside breathalyser test.
The court heard that Steenson’s actions were made more serious by the fact that he had recently concluded a prior sentence. Relief Magistrate Tan Ikram, a UK judge presiding over the case, stated that the crimes were “so serious” that immediate imprisonment was the only appropriate sentence. The magistrate also highlighted that, as a legal professional, Steenson should have been acutely aware of the risks associated with reoffending.
The collision occurred while Steenson was driving a white Mini Cooper. He crashed into a blue Jaguar, which was being driven by a woman taking her daughter home from a dance event. The impact caused notable damage to both vehicles, with the Mini Cooper losing a wheel and the jaguar sustaining damage to its wing mirror and a torn tyre.
The victim of the collision suffered whiplash and has experienced ongoing sleep difficulties as a result of the incident. Steenson’s defense lawyer acknowledged the severe impact the sentence would have on his client’s career and reputation, stating it had done “enormous damage.”
Along with the prison sentence, Steenson has been disqualified from driving for 30 months. He has also sought professional help to address his relationship with alcohol following the incident. Steenson had previously pleaded guilty to common assault in December 2024, which led to the Royal Court suspending him from legal practice for three months.
Additional Details:
- Location of Incident: Jersey
- Defendant’s Profession: Lawyer
- Alcohol Limit in Jersey: 35mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath
- Steenson’s Alcohol Reading: 82mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath
- Victim’s Injuries: Whiplash, sleep disturbances
- Vehicle Involved (Defendant): White Mini Cooper
- Vehicle Involved (Victim): blue Jaguar
- Previous Offense: Common assault
- Suspension from Legal practice: 3 months
- Driving Ban: 30 months
Angle to Focus On: The case highlights the severe consequences of drunk driving, especially for professionals who are expected to uphold the law. The proximity of the offence to the completion of a previous sentence underscores the challenges of rehabilitation and the importance of accountability.
