Court bans a driver from driving for six months.

Tema, Dec. 18, GNA -- A 32 year-old driver drunk-driver who recorded an excessive alcohol level of 177-percent while driving passengers, has been banned from driving for six months by the Tema Circuit Court 'A'. Ben Nortey with eight years driving experience, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was also fined two million cedis or in default nine months imprisonment

The Motor Traffic Unit of the Police was ordered to seize his driving licence during the period of the ban.

Inspector Adolphus Otchere, prosecuting, told the court presided over by Mr Charles Asiedu that on December 15, 2004, about 8:30 AM, the accused was driving a bus from Ashaiman to Tema Newtown with 23 passengers on board.

He said that the driver's behaviour made the passengers to suspect that he was drunk and when he reached the fishing harbour, the passengers reported him to the Police.

The accused was arrested and when tested with the Alco sensor machine, he recorded 177 percent of alcohol contents in his blood instead of 0.08 percent allowed and was charged with the offence.