OF all the many excuses made by drivers when charged with driving under the influence, Surujnarine Jaikaran added a fresh one to the long list that the court is accustomed to.

Jaikaran, who was charged for driving and being in charge of a motor vehicle while his blood alcohol level exceeded the prescribed level, gave Magistrate Shurdel Isaacs-Marcus an interesting excuse for the police findings.

According to the accused, he was at the minibus strike at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara last Monday and was coerced into imbibing alcohol by the other striking drivers. Jaikaran said he complied and indulged in alcohol consumption for most of the said day.

He was later stopped by police en route to his home, and a breathalyzer test was administered when the offence was detected.

Those drinks however, cost him a fine of $7,500 and a strong commitment to the court never to drink and drive again.