Chief officer's warning over drink-drive cases

The police has issued a warning after an "unacceptable" rise in drink-driving cases.

Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police issued the message due to a number of drink-driving cases before the courts this week, with nine defendants convicted.

In response to the convictions, the force said it would be supporting the next phase of the "Get Home Safe" campaign over the coming months, to work with partners across the island to encourage people to plan ahead.

Robin Smith said: "Nine drink-driving convictions in a single week is unacceptable."

He added: "In just a matter of days, the courts have imposed over 15 years of driving disqualifications and £5,000 in fines, alongside custodial sentences and community penalties.

"These are not minor penalties - they reflect the seriousness of the offence - yet people are still choosing to drink and drive despite clear laws, repeated warnings, and the very real risks involved.

"We have seen the tragic consequences of serious collisions on this island - incidents that have had an impact across the whole community, not to mention the families and friends directly affected.

"Against that backdrop, it is hard to understand why anyone would continue to take this risk."

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