Charges of drunken driving against Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius were withdrawn in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Pretorius’s lawyer, Carrol Von Molendorff, said the State had most likely dropped the charges because of lack of evidence. The case had been delayed for most of the morning due to a missing docket.
”I feel very relieved. This has been hanging over my head for a month and a half,” said Pretorius.
He maintained his innocence, saying that while he was drunk, his girlfriend had been driving the car at the time of the accident. The 27-year-old, who also plays for the Golden Lions, was arrested at the end of January in Main Road, Bryanston, after his vehicle and another collided.
The State also withdrew charges against the other driver, who was also arrested.
”The guy drove into me and we swapped details. Then when the policeman arrived he recognised me,” said Pretorius.
Both he and his girlfriend were outside the car when the police arrived, he maintained.
Smartly dressed in black trousers and a dark-blue shirt, the rugby player told reporters he was eager to be able to focus his full attention on the game.
He is currently in rehabilitation for an ankle injury sustained during a Test match against Argentina last year. He will undergo a test on Tuesday, when a decision will be taken on when he will be fit to play. — Sapa