Over the Limit Campaign: We name and shame North East Christmas drink drivers; Boozed-up and behind the wheel, these are the drivers that could have become killers.
Byline: Sophie Doughty
Over the limit and behind the wheel, these are the drivers who put lives at risk at Christmas.
The Chronicle is today naming and shaming all those convicted of driving over the limit after being stopped by police during the festive party season.
We launched our third annual Over the Limit campaign in December to raise awareness about the dangers of taking to the roads after having a drink.
And today we can reveal that 24 motorists caught drink driving in December have been convicted by courts over the last two months after choosing to put their own and others' safety at risk by getting behind the wheel while over the legal limit, which is 35mcg alcohol in 100ml breath.
Last year 29 motorists were arrested and convicted over the same period.
Our campaign has been backed by Northumbria Police.
And today the force's top traffic officer has told of his disappointment that so many motorists had flouted the law.
Chief Insp John Heckels said: "It's really disappointing that so many people think it's OK to risk their lives, and the lives of others, by taking to the roads while drunk.
"Those that are charged with drink drive offences now face going to court, having a criminal record and being banned from the roads.
"They will also have to face the problems that come with being banned and from experience we know that it can have a significant impact on a person's career, their family and almost every aspect of their life.
"They will also be known by their friends, family and the wider community as a drink driver and that stigma can have quite an impact on a person.
"Drink driving ruins lives, it's as simple as that, and we will continue to work to get that message across to motorists."
Over the Limit Campaign: We name and shame North East Christmas drink drivers
Names on our list of shame include Mark White, who crashed his car on a busy road in what was the second time in a fortnight he got behind the wheel while over the limit.
The 30-year-old smashed his MG Convertible into the central reservation on the Coast Road, at its junction with Heaton Road, in Newcastle, on December 20. When police arrived at the scene they found he was twice the legal drink drive limit and also only held a provisional licence.
And, Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard it was the second time in a fortnight White had been caught over the limit, having previously been stopped on December 6 on Shields Road, in Byker.
Now, White, of Warwick Street...
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