Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign convictions revealed

Of these, 24 have already been convicted and a further 77 have been charged to appear before magistrates.

The operation, which aims to educate offenders and raise awareness of the risks of drink and drug-driving, launched on Thursday 1 December and ends on Sunday January 1.

Superintendent Chris Moon, head of roads policing for Surrey and Sussex Police, said: “While the majority of people who drive on our county’s roads are responsible, there is still a minority who either don’t think or simply don’t care about the consequences of their actions. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a serious offence and it won’t be tolerated.

“Last year, more than 70 people were either killed or seriously injured on the roads in Sussex due to drink-driving, and these collisions could so easily have been avoided.

“But drink and drug-driving doesn’t just cost lives; it will also cost you your licence, with a minimum 12-month disqualification for anyone convicted. In addition, it could cost you your job, your home, or your family and friends.

“It really is not worth the risk, and we would urge all motorists to think before they get behind the wheel of their car. Drink or drive; never both.”

According to a Sussex Police statement:

Olorunfemi Oye, 19, a student, of Lewes Road, Brighton, was arrested in South Street, Brighton, on 2 December and charged with driving with 54mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 19 December and was disqualified from driving for 14 months. He was also ordered to pay a £131 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Urhan Arslan, 39, a hairdresser, of De Beauvoir Estate, Hackney, London, was arrested in Kings Road, Brighton, on 8 December and charged with driving with 76mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 22 December and was disqualified from driving for 22 months. He was also ordered to pay a £250 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

David Delplanche, 44, a driver, of New England Road, Brighton, was arrested in West Street, Brighton, on 9 December and charged with driving with 51mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 29 December and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit Operation Crackdown.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs call 999.