LAWRENCE (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A 68-year-old Lawrence man previously convicted nine times of drunken driving was found not guilty by a jury Wednesday morning after testifying that he was unaware that there was a bar at the birthday party he attended.
A jury took less than two hours to clear Donald Blackington of his most recent operating under the influence (12th offense) charge, reports The Eagle Tribune.
Police testified that Blackington was smelled of alcohol, was uncooperative, and slumped over in the back of the cruiser following his arrest in June 2011 in Haverhill.
According to the newspaper, Blackington testified that he was at his cousin's birthday party the day he was arrested and pulled over to the side of the Ward Hill Connector because he did not feel well. Blackington also claimed that he didn't even know there was a bar at the party he attended.
For more information: The Eagle Tribune
