Drink driver of "bad character" imprisoned for 10 weeks

Sunday 17 April 2022

A man has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison and taken off the roads for four years for drink driving.

Danny Cooley entered a plea of not guilty. But Judge Gary Perry said that evidence of Cooley's guilt was “overwhelming”.

The incident occurred on 29 June 2021 in the Rue Cohu in the Castel.

Cooley’s case was heard on 8 March and he returned for sentencing on Thursday.

Defending Cooley, Advocate Mark Dunster said his client had a “modest” criminal history and that there was not a long list of aggravating factors.

Advocate Dunster also said that Cooley had driven only “for a short distance” and that no one had been hurt in the incident.

Pictured: Danny Cooley was sentenced in the Magistrate's Court on Thursday. 

Judge Perry said: “The only reason it was a short distance was because the defendant crashed his vehicle so many times that it became undriveable."

He said that he gave Cooley “very little credit” when determining sentencing.

“It should be noted that the majority of drink drivers are of previous good character. You are not of good character,” said Judge Perry. 

“It is purely a matter of luck that no one was killed or injured by your actions in what was a very dangerous incident.”

Judge Perry was concerned that Cooley would be likely to reoffend.

Pictured: Judge Perry imposed a lengthy driving ban and a short term of imprisonment on Cooley. 

Judge Perry continued: “The fact that you are still in denial about this incident worries me as to your future conduct regarding alcohol consumption and driving.

“I believe you would have continued driving much further had you not damaged your car.”