Sobering start to the New Year for Chesterfield motorists

09/01/2007

Lawyers at Chesterfield magistrates' court are once again experiencing a busy start to the New Year as motorists arrested by police for drink-driving offences over the Christmas period now find themselves paying - literally - for their crime.

Neil Hoodless, Head of the North Criminal Justice Unit at Derbyshire Crown Prosecution Service said:  "The number of people appearing on drink driving charges reaches a peak in January, as we start to see the influx of those people who have failed breath tests over the festive period.

"On a typical day we might prosecute around half a dozen drink driving cases at Chesterfield magistrates' court but in the first week of the New Year we've seen nearly double that amount.

"We're also finding that many people who drink and drive haven't considered the longer term consequences of their actions.  Most are aware that they can be stopped by the police and arrested if they're suspected to be over the legal limit.  But what they don't expect is to spend a few hours locked in a cell, and to leave with a hangover, a date to attend court and the prospect of a criminal record!

"Being charged with a criminal offence, and having to appear at court, can be a shocking and sobering experience.  We find that many defendants arrive at court completely unaware of the potential penalties that they face if found guilty.  Along with a criminal record, they're also looking at an automatic driving ban of at least a year, and could also receive a maximum fine of £5,000 and up to six months in jail, or one or more of the community orders available.

"It's always disappointing to find that, despite the publicity around the dangers of driving while over the alcohol limit, so many people are still choosing to drink and drive.  Hopefully next Christmas more people will take notice of the warnings and we'll see the trend start to reverse."