Drink-driver jailed hours after being caught in Northamptonshire's Christmas drink-drive crackdown

A drink-driver caught in a police Christmas crackdown was jailed just hours after being stopped behind the wheel.

Edwin Joseph Collier, 54, of no fixed address, appeared at Wellingborough Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with driving while disqualified driving and being over the limit.

He was was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment and banned for three years after being stopped by officers on Monday. He was also ordered to pay £213 in costs and a surcharge to fund victim services.

Northamptonshire Police are naming all drivers charged with drink or drug driving as part of a month-long campaign.

This is the fourth time Northamptonshire has taken such a hard line approach.

Two of those charged were stopped on Christmas Day while another was jailed by magistrates on Tuesday just hours after being arrested.

PC Dave Lee from the Safer Roads Team, said: “There is absolutely no excuse or circumstance that could ever justify drink or drug driving – it is exceptionally selfish and reckless. Not only are you risking your own life, but those of innocent road users.

“The majority of people know how dangerous it is to take the risk of driving under the influence and though we share this message every year, I guarantee there will be some who still choose to ignore it. Please don’t be one of these drivers.

“We continue to be out in force, ready and waiting to seek strong penalties for all those found to be offending. If you do not want a conviction for drink or drug driving, please make sure your name is not included on our list.”

Friday, December 18:

■ Martin Thornton, aged 50, of Diamond Drive, Irthlingborough, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 12.

■ Tyler Tansley, aged 28, of The Hedges, Higham Ferrers, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 21.

■ Mohammed Sharif, aged 27, of Perry Street, Northampton, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 12.

Saturday, December 19:

■ Ghenadie Bejan, aged 36, of Harefield Road, Northampton, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 12.

■ Sergiu Orzea, aged 38, of Hidcote Close, Northampton, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 12.

■ Louis Mpofu, aged 26, of Bishopdale Road, Leicester, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 22.

Sunday, December 20:

■ Clince Joy, aged 26, of Talbot Road, Northampton, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 12.

■ Nathan Leigh, aged 35, of Rectory Road, Rushden, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 14.

Monday, December 21:

■ Omar Ugur, aged 48, of Larix Court, Brent, London, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 14.

Tuesday, December 22:

■ Iulian Zavragiu, aged 25, of Western Road, Wolverton,was charged with drink-driving. He will appear at magistrates' court on January 14.

Christmas Eve:

■ Ruhell Ali, aged 47, of Haynestone Road, Coventry, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 19.

■ James McClafferty, aged 37, of Crick Close, Corby, was charged with failing to provide a specimen. He will appear in court on January 25.

■ Valetin Bandula, aged 40, of Maidencastle, Northampton, was charged with failing to provide a specimen after being stopped by officers. He will appear in court on January 21.

Christmas Day:

■ Harry-Andrei Matei, aged 30, of Senwick Drive, Wellingborough, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on Tuesday, January 19.

■ Emanuel Marusceac, aged 23, of Hazelwood Road, Corby, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 19.

Boxing Day:

■ Ruslans Cerepanaks, aged 41, of North Holme Court, Northampton, was charged with being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle. He will appear in court on January 21.

■ Samir Calan, aged 32, of Blundell Road, Edgware, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 26.

■ Ibidapo Awosanya, aged 41, of Walmer Terrace, London, was charged with drink-driving. He will appear in court on January 26.

Sunday, December 27:

■ Gary Slater, aged 31, of Swale Drive, Northampton, was charged with failing to provide a specimen. He will appear in court on May 27.

Tuesday, December 29:

■ Mihaela Uratu, aged 36, of Woodpecker Way, Northampton, was charged with drink-driving. She will appear in court on January 26.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or call Northamptonshire Police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.