A Monegasque businessman has been handed a six-month prison sentence, with five months suspended, following a dramatic car crash in the early hours of Saturday morning that left a Porsche in flames and two passengers injured.
The accident occurred at around 3:30am on the access ramp to the Canton tunnel. According to official reports, the speeding car collided with several tunnel walls before catching fire. The driver and his two passengers miraculously managed to escape, sustaining only minor injuries.
During the court appearance, as reported by Monaco Matin, shocking details emerged about the circumstances surrounding the crash. The defendant, Sébastien, a prominent Monaco-based business leader aged 40 years, admitted to having consumed approximately 15 drinks earlier in the evening while celebrating with his employees. After leaving Sass Café, he offered two young women a ride home, despite being heavily intoxicated.
Presiding Judge Jérôme Fougeras-Lavergnolle retraced the events leading up to the accident, noting that the defendant had driven erratically for 12 minutes, crossing solid lines eight times as his passengers pleaded with him to slow down.
“I should have taken a taxi. I lacked discernment,” said Sébastien according to Monaco Matin. “It’s a mistake… I only wanted to celebrate the end of a difficult year with my employees.”
A strong stance on road safety
The prosecution, led by Deputy Attorney General Morgan Raymond, sought a firm sentence, arguing that the case reflected a troubling combination of recklessness and disregard for public safety. “We must conduct a tough policy against this type of delinquency,” he reportedly stated. Raymond criticised the defendant’s actions as a “demonstration of virility” and noted that Sébastien had several opportunities to avoid getting behind the wheel.
Charged with driving under the influence of alcohol – the defendant was five times over the legal limit – and failure to control his vehicle, the prosecution demanded a 12-month sentence, including six months of firm imprisonment, a €15,000 fine, and the cancellation of Sébastien’s license for three years.
The verdict
According to Monaco Matin, Defence lawyer Maître Zabaldano argued for clemency, emphasising that his client was not a habitual offender. “The facts are serious, but they must be appreciated in their right measure. He behaved like an idiot… What would be the point of sending him to prison for six months?”
After nearly two hours of deliberation, the court delivered a measured verdict. Sébastien was reportedly sentenced to six months in prison, with five suspended, meaning he will serve one month under an arrangement decided by the judge for enforcement of sentences. He was also fined €10,045, had his driver’s license revoked, and is banned from reapplying for one year.
“Enough is enough”: government takes tough stance
The court appearance came just hours after the Monaco Government and Police Department held a press conference to announce strict new measures aimed at tackling the rising issue of drink driving and speeding in the Principality.
Minister of State Didier Guillaume revealed plans to install speed cameras in “all” of Monaco’s tunnels, which have become the sites of the majority of serious accidents. He also confirmed that new legislation will be introduced in January, granting police officers enhanced powers to prevent intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel, along with expanded authority to conduct stop-and-breathalyse checks.
The government pledged to significantly increase police controls throughout the festive season. To ensure safer alternatives for residents and visitors, discussions are underway with taxi operators to double the number of available taxis during this busy period.
The Minister vowed that Monaco would no longer tolerate dangerous behavior on the roads, declaring, “Monaco will not be a playground for drunk drivers in search of a thrill, to impress girls in their car. It is just not possible.”
See also:
“Enough is enough”: Monaco Government unveils tough measures after serious car crashes
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