Yesterday, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Mbour court, during the hearing of flagrante delictos, several separate cases were dealt with, all with the same common thread: alcohol. Between thefts and fights, the facts highlight a trend that has become almost commonplace. Drunkenness is invoked as a shield in the face of justice. "I was drunk" has become a tiresome refrain. But for the justice system, getting drunk does not absolve one. Convictions are being handed down, and one drink too many does not serve as an alibi before the judge.

One of the defendants to appear in court is SF Ndiaye. He is being prosecuted for attempted robbery committed at night with climbing. According to the police report, the incident took place around 4 a.m. at a dealership where he had sneaked in to steal a motorcycle. But his attempt was cut short. Spotted by the occupants of the premises, he was arrested. When questioned about the reasons for his act, SF Ndiaye mentioned his state of intoxication. "I was drunk, Mr. President. I didn't know what I was doing," he defended himself.

A response that made the magistrate roll his eyes, visibly unconvinced. The defendant added that he had been beaten by local residents, which allegedly caused him several injuries. But, according to the presiding judge, nothing could justify such a nighttime intrusion.

As for the defendant named S. Ka, he is being prosecuted for snatching with the use of means of locomotion to the detriment of N. Sène.

According to the facts reported at the hearing, S. Ka had snatched his victim's phone before fleeing. Unfortunately for him, the chase was short-lived: he was quickly caught and taken to the police station.

But it was during his transfer that the scene took an unexpected turn. While he was being escorted to the police station, a phone started ringing in his pants pocket. Intrigued, N. Sène, the victim, reported the incident to the police officer, who asked him to pick up. At the other end of the line, a certain Mr. Manga answered, furious: he too had just been snatched. The surprise was total. In one arrest, investigators had just solved two cases. S. Ka would also say that he was drunk and didn't know what he was doing.

Visibly exasperated, the judge protested against the excessive use of the drunkenness argument. "What's your problem with alcohol? Every time you're caught, it's the same old story. Drunkenness doesn't erase the crime!"

The verdict came as no surprise: six months in prison for S. Ka and 50,000 CFA francs in damages to be paid to the victim, N. Sène. As for Serigne Fallou Ndiaye, his fate will be determined next Tuesday.

Like these two defendants, other accused persons heard today or previously also tried to hide behind their state of drunkenness to explain their crimes.

A few weeks ago, a defendant was charged with assaulting his friend. He had hit him in the head with a brick.

The cases before the courts alone sum up the tone of the hearings: between thefts, assaults, and haphazard justifications, Bacchus has become the safe haven for many defendants. But for the courts, the cup is full.

"Drinking doesn't turn you into a criminal, but you can't come here every time and say it's the alcohol. You have to take responsibility for your actions," the president insists.