More drink/drug drivers in court after Christmas crackdown

The offenders were all arrested during the force’s campaign during December and the beginning of January. For five of them it was not the first time they had been prosecuted for drink-related driving offences.

Chief Inspector Natalie Moloney said: “Even though we are in March now the courts are still having to deal with the cases of selfish drivers who got behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

“The fact that five of the latest group to be dealt with had previously been prosecuted for the same thing is very disappointing. Clearly being banned from the roads is not enough of a deterrent to them.

“Hopefully their time as pedestrians will convince them of the cost of mixing drink and driving and might prevent them from doing it again.”

Among the recent cases was Michael Nunn who was arrested at 5.50pm on 22 December after his car struck three parked vehicles in Lingfield Road, East Grinstead. The 58-year-old, of Goodwins Close, East Grinstead, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was banned from driving for 20 months, fined £475 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

A total of 91 people have now been convicted of offences after being arrested as part of the Christmas drink and drug-driving crackdown.

A further 54 drivers have been charged with drink or drug driving offences and are currently on bail.

You can text officers on 65999 with the details of people you suspect of drink or drug driving, along with their car make and registration number.