Fourteen drivers arrested on suspicion of drink driving in first week of Euros

If you’re planning to have an alcoholic drink while watching the football then have a great time, but please leave your car at home – that is the message from Northamptonshire Police following 14 arrests during the first week of the 2024 Euros (June 14-20).

Of those arrests, 10 drivers were charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit, three with failing to provide a specimen and one with being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink.

All 14 drivers were bailed to appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court over the next few weeks, and if convicted, will earn themselves a criminal record which could have a huge impact on their lives.

In fact, drivers who cause a death while driving under the influence of drink or drugs face up to 14 years’ imprisonment. If they’re fortunate not to be involved in a collision, if caught, they risk up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban.

Additionally, The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculate a drink or drug drive conviction could cost up to £70,000 because of fines, solicitors fees, increase in the cost of car insurance and losing a job.

Inspector Ian Wills of Northamptonshire Police Roads Policing Team said: “Working alongside our Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance partners, our focus continues to be to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“We see first-hand the misery and pain that getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol can have. It is not just the victims who suffer, the consequences ripple out to their families, dependants and certainly the offender.

“Most people thankfully have no concept of how appalling these consequences are but be assured they are horrendous, they don’t stop, there is no reset button. No one wants to get that terrible knock on the door to tell them someone they love is not coming home.

“It’s not about stopping summer fun. It’s about stopping a selfish minority being reckless and irresponsible on our roads. So, the message is simple - make the right choices this summer and never drive when you’ve had a drink.”

Tragically in 2023, after being involved in a road collision in Northamptonshire, 29 people never returned home safely to their loved ones, and 271 required urgent medical assistance for serious and life-changing injuries.

However, officers across the county carry out breath tests throughout the year - not just over the festive period - and with the Force’s Roads Policing Team, patrolling our road network 24/7 all year round, there’s more chance of getting caught.

Details of those who were arrested and subsequently charged are:

• A 29-year-old man from Northampton was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He will appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

• A 31-year-old man from Northampton was charged with in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink. He will appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

• A 42-year-old man from Settle in North Yorkshire was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

• A 26-year-old man from Aylesbury was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

• A 41-year-old man from Nottingham was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

• A 41-year-old man from Manchester was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

• A 44-year-old man from Woodford Halse was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on August 28.

• A 31-year-old man from Northampton was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

• A 21-year-old man from Corby was charged with failing to provide specimen – person in charge of a vehicle. He will appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 18.

• A 52-year-old man from Corby was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He will appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

• A 57-year-old man from Rothwell was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

• A 22-year-old man from Kettering was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

• A 19-year-old man from Northampton was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on June 19.

• A 25-year-old man from Kettering was charged with driving when alcohol level above the limit. He will appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 16.