Intoxicated man arrested after damage caused to departure gate at Dublin Airport
Electronic equipment ripped from desk used by airline staff on Monday morning
Gardaí have arrested and charged a man after a disturbance on Monday morning at Dublin Airport which resulted in criminal damage to a departure gate area. Electronic equipment was ripped from a desk used by airline staff while other mobile infrastructure at the desk was damaged.
A man was detained at the scene by Airport Police personnel before being taken into Garda custody for questioning. It appears the man involved, in is in his 20s, had arrived on a flight into Dublin intoxicated.
He then missed a connecting flight and created a disturbance, and allegedly caused significant damage, at the unstaffed departure gate before he was overpowered. He was seen by passers-by engaging in the attack before the alarm was raised and he was overpowered by Airport Police.
It is understood that the man threw chairs around the departure gate in Terminal 1 and also took furniture from a nearby café during the incident early on St Patrick’s Day. Damage was also caused to infrastructure for checking bag size at the departure gate.
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Garda Headquarters confirmed a man had been arrested “in connection with incidents of criminal damage in Terminal 1, Dublin Airport” on Monday morning. It added he had been charged and would appear before the courts in Dublin.
Daa, which runs Dublin Airport, said: “Airport Police at Dublin Airport responded to an incident in Terminal 1 this morning which resulted in a male individual being arrested. The passenger arrived at the airport intoxicated, missed his flight and proceeded to cause significant damage to our airport.
“The individual was quickly apprehended by Airport Police before being subsequently arrested by An Garda Síochana. We hope the justice system deals with him appropriately and also that we never see him at Dublin Airport again.”
Road accidents linked to drink driving up again with return of nightlife activities
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There was a spike in the number of fatalities involving drink driving after nightlife activities resumed from April 2022.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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Drink driving
Published Jun 11, 2023, 05:00 AM
Updated Jun 12, 2023, 06:45 PM
SINGAPORE – The number of road accidents linked to drink driving is on the rise after a decline over the two years when Covid-19 restrictions
largely shut the doors on nightlife activities.
Traffic Police figures showed that there were 175 drink-driving accidents in 2022, the highest since 178 such cases were recorded in 2018, when tougher penalties were mooted amid a spike in cases.
Under the Road Traffic Act, which was amended in 2019, drivers who commit traffic offences including drink driving risk stiffer penalties. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will result in a maximum of one year’s jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, for first-time offenders. This is double the penalty from before.
Mr Bryan Ong, who works in the financial sector, told The Sunday Times that while the harsher penalties could act as deterrence, motorists who are bent on drink driving will still find ways to skirt the efforts.
Mr Ong, 30, said: “People are smart enough to get away from measures like road blocks with technology nowadays. So while helpful, it’s also hard to see the penalties eradicating the problem of drink driving altogether.”
In May, there was a spate of suspected drink-driving incidents.
a man was arrested for suspected drink driving after the car he was driving flipped onto its side along Adam Road after an accident. Hours later, police arrested another driver for the same offence after an accident in Tampines Avenue 10. Just days earlier,
a 27-year-old man was arrested for suspected drink driving after the GetGo rental car he was in crashed into a stationary vehicle at the junction of Bayfront Avenue and Marina Boulevard.
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In Singapore, the legal alcohol limit
is 80mg for every 100ml of blood. In comparison, countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Australia cap the blood alcohol content at 0.05, the equivalent of 50mg of alcohol for every 100ml of blood.
A Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) spokesman said the current limit was introduced in 1985 after studying drink-driving violation trends, which were on the rise then, and international benchmarks.
Before 1985, the limit was 110mg per 100ml of blood, and was derived through assessments by forensic pathologists.
The ministry said that there are no plans for now to revise the blood alcohol content limit, adding that the drink-driving situation remains under control.
“The number of drink-driving violations has steadily fallen over the years. The number of fatal accidents and fatalities involving drink driving has also been declining.
“We are, however, closely watching the total number of drink-driving accidents,” the spokesman said, adding that MHA takes a very strong stance against drink driving as it seriously endangers other road users, and not just the driver.
The law on drink driving in Singapore
Man who consumed alcohol before driving brother’s car admits to causing fatal accident
While the number of fatal accidents and fatalities involving drink driving has been declining since 2018, there was a spike after nightlife activities
resumed from April 2022. The number of fatal drink-driving accidents increased by 25 per cent, from eight cases in 2021 to 10 in 2022. The number of persons arrested for drink driving increased by 16 per cent, from 1,453 persons in 2021 to 1,685 in 2022.
Mr Aaron Buay, a consultant, said he has heard of acquaintances being stopped at Traffic Police road blocks for drink driving, but that measure is often too late. Instead, more could be done to help prevent drivers from reaching that point.
Mr Buay, 29, said: “Public transport could run round-the-clock so people will be more enticed to leave their cars at home, or it could be a weekend and public holiday offering, since that is when people usually let loose.”
Some states in Australia practise a double demerit point system, with drivers receiving more points for traffic offences including drink driving during public holiday periods and long weekends.
The Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) said stricter laws could help in the fight against drink driving but said such a rule may not work in the Republic. Mr Bernard Tay, chairman of SRSC, said: “Due to the different culture, nature and infrastructure of different countries, the law in other countries might not be suitable to be applied in Singapore’s context.”
He pointed out that different behavioural habits, traffic movements, terrain and climate between countries will result in different traffic statistics.
Fatal accidents
A number of accidents over the last two years have highlighted the dangers of drink driving.
The Tanjong Pagar crash in 2021 resulted in the deaths of five men between the ages of 26 and 29. Toxicology reports showed the driver’s blood alcohol level
was at 86mg per 100ml at the time.
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a 59-year-old driver died after an accident at the junction of Tampines Avenue 10 and Tampines Avenue 1 involving four cars, a taxi, and a motorcycle.
The 33-year-old driver that caused the accident was allegedly found to have 42 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol in 100ml of breath, over the prescribed limit of 35mcg.
In 2022, a 25-year-old driver was arrested for drink driving in
a lorry accident in Old Jurong Road towards Upper Bukit Timah Road. The crash resulted in the death of two passengers, aged 17 and 23.
Aside from enforcement action, the Traffic Police also organises an annual Anti-Drink Drive Campaign, working together with community partners to educate the public.
The campaign is usually held during the year-end festive period, to remind members of the public who are celebrating not to drive, if they are drinking.
MHA said: “We regularly review our road traffic policies to ensure the safety of road users, their parity with international standards, as well as their appropriateness for our local road conditions and road use patterns.”
Mr Tay said efforts by the police must go hand in hand with that of motorists to be effective.
“It is equally important that the public is educated on the importance of road safety, as motorists’ behaviours can also make a difference,” he said.
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Strong deterrence
Gary (not his real name), 40, feels the current laws can be enhanced further, to deter motorists from driving when intoxicated. He said an offender’s driving licence should be suspended immediately, even before their day in court.
The business owner was arrested 13 years ago for drink driving, and eventually handed a two-year driving ban along with a $6,000 fine.
He said his licence was suspended only six months after he was arrested, which meant he could continue driving even after his initial arrest.
Gary added: “I think it’s very unusual that a drunk driver does not have his licence instantly confiscated or revoked. Ironically, I had to chase my investigating officer to send me to court.”
Mr Josiah Zee, 36, an associate at Invictus Law Corporation where his team has worked on such cases in the past, said it remains a common occurrence that licences are not revoked immediately.
“However, we have seen that in cases where there were serious injury or death caused, or where serious damage was caused to property, the licences of such alleged offenders were suspended immediately,” said the criminal lawyer.
He also pointed out that if serious injury, death, or serious damage was caused, the Deputy Commissioner of Police can suspend the licence of the offender immediately under the Road Traffic Act.
Victims of drink driving, who are fortunate enough to walk away from the accidents, say they have to deal with the aftermath.
‘I could have died’: Man got into accident after drinking 4 glasses of wine
Woman arrested for suspected drink driving after her car skids off Upper Thomson Road
In 2018, Francis (not his real name), 38, was on his way to work as an emergency nurse at Sengkang General Hospital when the van he was driving was hit by a car from behind. He called the police as the driver reeked of alcohol. The man was later arrested.
Francis said: “A lot of people were asking me why I reported the incident. Because once you report them, and they are guilty of drink driving, their insurer will not be liable to cover for them.”
The General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) said this is not always the case. All vehicles in Singapore are required to be insured with third-party motor insurance, which covers death or injury to other parties.
“This includes liability to passengers and other road users,” a spokesman for GIA said, even if the driver was driving under the influence. The insurer will then seek recovery from the insured driver, as they would have been in breach of the motor insurance policy terms by driving under the influence.
Francis said he covered the damages to his own vehicle, which amounted to around $13,000. The offender, meanwhile, was let off with a stern warning for the offence of drink driving, according to documents seen by ST.
“I was looking through forums in Singapore and realised there’s a large community of people who have been in the same situation, and did not report the accident because they would rather claim the damages from the drunk driver,” he said.
GIA said in such cases where there is only property damage, victims should make a claim with their own insurance policies.
“Should the claimant’s insurer consider that its insured driver is not at fault in the accident, (their) annual premium will not be affected,” the spokesman added.
- This article has been updated to change the number of drink driving accidents in 2022 to 175, following an update by the Traffic Police. It has also been edited for clarity.
Charlotte Criminal Mischief Lawyer
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Charlotte Criminal Mischief Lawyer
Criminal mischief, also known as vandalism or property damage, is the intentional act of destroying another’s property. Depending on the severity of the property damage, this crime can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Those convicted of criminal mischief may be forced to pay a large fine and serve time in prison. Both can have a lasting impact over many years. If you are charged with criminal mischief, it is crucial that you hire a criminal lawyer who can defend you in court.
The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett can assist you if you require a criminal mischief lawyer in Charlotte, NC. It is common for individuals to be overwhelmed when charged with a crime. Our team can help you navigate the complex legal system and protect your future. With over three decades of experience, we can fight for the best results possible.
How Is Criminal Mischief Defined?
If someone intentionally damages another party’s property without their consent, this is considered criminal mischief. It does not matter how severe the damage is, as the act of causing property damage itself is considered a crime. To be considered criminal mischief, you have to have damaged property willfully and maliciously, and the property must belong to the alleged victim. It is not a crime to damage your own property. However, there may be an ownership issue that can arise in certain cases.
It is important to note that criminal mischief only occurs intentionally. Accidental property damage does not result in this classification. However, if you were to act recklessly, this can still be considered criminal mischief. If you accidentally break a window due to your reckless behavior, you can be charged with criminal mischief. However, if you are playing a game outside and accidentally damage someone’s property, this is not considered a criminal act.
If you receive property crime charges in North Carolina, you risk facing strict penalties. You will want the help of a criminal law attorney to lessen your penalties and keep your future intact as best as possible.
The Types of Criminal Mischief
There are many different types of acts that can be described as criminal mischief. Most examples are related to property damage. However, there are certain acts considered mischief that are not related to the destruction of property.
- Arson: Of all the Charlotte property crimes that you can be charged with, arson may be the most severe. Arson is the act of intentionally setting fire to houses or other buildings. If a building catches fire due to an electrical malfunction or due to children playing with matches, this is not automatically considered arson. Those who are convicted of arson can face felony prosecution. Regardless of whether you are guilty or not, you will need a property crime lawyer by your side.
- Breaking and Entering: Breaking and entering is unfortunately very common, and it is also a prime example of criminal mischief. This crime involves invading someone’s personal property, including their house or car, without the owner’s consent. In North Carolina, breaking and entering can be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the damage and the intention behind the act. Breaking into another’s property results in damage, which is enough to be considered mischief.
- Vehicle Damage: Acts such as keying vehicles or slashing tires are also considered criminal mischief. Cars are considered property. If someone were to damage another party’s car without consent, this is classified as mischief. This can still result in strict penalties. Depending on the severity of the damage, it can also be classified as a felony.
- Graffiti: One of the most common forms of vandalism is the use of graffiti. Graffiti itself has been considered an art form by some. However, it is also considered vandalism if you apply it to a building without the owner’s consent. Removing graffiti is a costly procedure for business owners, and this can make certain buildings look poorly maintained. In North Carolina, graffiti is considered criminal mischief. If you are charged with vandalism, it is recommended that you hire a criminal lawyer.
- Computer Hacking: This type of mischief is not a form of property damage. However, because this crime involves stealing or viewing information without consent, it is still considered mischief. If you attempt to hack another person’s computer to commit fraud or harm, you can receive severe penalties, such as fines and jail time. Regardless of whether you were successful in hacking, this is criminal mischief that can negatively alter your future. A criminal defense lawyer can work with you to lessen your charges.
- Air Horn Misuse: If someone attends a concert and constantly blows an air horn, this is not only disrespectful but can also be classified as criminal mischief. In this case, the intention is to disrupt the event, and you can be prosecuted for this. You may not have to go to jail for this crime, depending on the situation. Nevertheless, you can expect to be fined.
There are several other crimes that are considered criminal mischief, including discharging a firearm, altering or destroying road signs, or damaging security systems. The possible damage to people or property is the main factor a prosecutor will consider when classifying your crime. Whether you interrupted an event with an air horn or set a building on fire, you can expect to face penalties for your actions.
Penalties for Criminal Mischief
In most cases, mischief will be classified as a misdemeanor, as the damage is typically minor and causes little to no physical harm to others. However, in more severe cases, you can be charged with a felony for mischief.
If the damages from your crime are only a few hundred dollars or less, you will most likely be charged with a misdemeanor. There are four classes of misdemeanors in North Carolina, and each comes with varying penalties.
- Class 3: This is the least severe misdemeanor you can be charged with. For a Class 3 offense, you could serve up to a month in jail and be required to pay a small fine.
- Class 2: This is slightly stricter than a Class 3 offense. You may be forced to pay a fine of at least $1,000 and serve up to two months in jail.
- Class 1: This misdemeanor can result in up to four months in jail and a large fine. At this level, there is no maximum fine. The judge can order you to pay a fine of however much they say.
- Class A1: This is the highest level of misdemeanor you can receive. The penalties are the same as for a Class A, with the exception that jail time can last up to 150 days.
If the damages exceed $1,000, this can be classified as a felony. As with misdemeanors, there are a certain number of felony classes that your crime can fall under. Very severe felonies, such as Class A, can result in life in prison. However, most criminal mischief cases are not classified this severely.
Class I is the most common felony charge that criminals can face. For this charge, there is a jail time requirement of up to a full year. The next charge, Class H, can increase the time in jail to 25 months. Each class leading up to A adds more jail time. The class is determined by prior convictions and the severity of the crime.
Misdemeanors and felonies can still negatively impact your future. You may lose access to various privileges as well as the ability to find a job or housing in the future. For this reason, it is crucial to have a criminal defense lawyer who can fight for your rights.
Criminal Mischief Defenses
It may seem like those arrested for property damage or vandalism have no defenses available. You may have been arrested for a vandalism crime you did not commit. As with other crimes, you have defenses available that can help lessen or even eliminate your penalties. In North Carolina, property crimes are not simple to evaluate. Criminal defense attorneys work diligently with their clients to gather as much evidence as possible to build a case.
For example, people may be prosecuted if video surveillance shows that they broke into a building. However, the quality of the video may be poor, or it may be considered unreliable evidence. This has led to innocent people being convicted of vandalism. Indeed, we have worked with many clients who have been unfairly treated.
When someone is convicted of a crime, even if it is classified as a misdemeanor, it can negatively damage their reputation. It can become difficult to find a job or housing due to a crime on your record. Fortunately, there are other defenses we can use to fight for your rights.
We can apply several defenses in court that can help reduce your penalties. For example, we can question if the damage was indeed intentional or if your conduct directly led to the property damage. We can also question if the damaged property truly belonged to the alleged victim. It is important that you tell your criminal lawyer the truth about the matter. If they notice anything conflicting or unclear, they may be able to build a case.
Why Hire a Criminal Mischief Lawyer?
A lawyer can work with you to build a case and defend you in court. However, many wonder if a lawyer is necessary and worth the price. At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we have worked with many clients who found our services invaluable. There are several reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney.
One key reason individuals hire a criminal mischief attorney is because they better understand the legal system. If you were to defend yourself in court, you may overlook certain details and defenses. This could result in stricter penalties. By hiring an attorney, they can carefully review your situation, gather all the evidence necessary, and use their knowledge and expertise to defend you. North Carolina’s legal system is complex. While there are certain aspects that are easy to understand, there are small details that can make a massive difference.
Most people who are convicted pass on hiring an attorney, believing the cost is not worth it. While hiring an attorney may seem like a big investment, it can actually save you money overall. If you defend yourself in court and end up receiving hefty fines, this can be very taxing on you and your future. A criminal defense attorney’s job is to work with you and lessen your charges as much as possible. In doing so, you may still receive penalties, but they may be much less severe than if you were to forego a lawyer. By having a lawyer on your side, you can have a better chance of recovering from your conviction and living a more positive future.
Lastly, an attorney can answer any questions or concerns you have. They can also give you advice on what to say and do. Attorneys are going to be truthful and describe what could happen to you without hesitation. However, it is better to know what your options are than to navigate a complicated system alone. It is not easy to lessen penalties in any case, but a qualified attorney can increase your risk of this happening.
Your Charlotte, NC, Criminal Mischief Lawyers
Many individuals wait until it is too late to hire a criminal mischief lawyer. Some people wonder if hiring legal counsel is worthwhile in their situation. If you are facing charges of vandalism or property damage, it is imperative that you seek legal representation immediately, regardless of the severity. If you live in or near Charlotte, North Carolina, our team can help.
With more than 35 years of experience, The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett can help defend you in court and protect your future. From the moment you contact us, we can walk you through the legal process.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
