Drunks could face spot fines

Police in Staffordshire will be issuing on-the-spot-fines for anyone caught being drunk or disorderly.

The new-style fines for anti-social behaviour are set to be in place by the end of the year.

Under the plan, which has already been tested in three pilot areas of the country, Staffordshire Police will hand out fixed penalty tickets for minor disorder, drunkenness and abusive behaviour.

The fine will range from £40 to £80 pounds.

Relieve pressure

Chief Constable John Giffard, from Staffordshire Police, said there would be a limit to the number of times a person could be dealt with in this way.

Mr Giffard said the new scheme would relieve the pressure on courts and allow him to put more officers on the street.

Adult offenders will be able to pay the fines by post. If they deny the charge, they can elect to go to court for a full trial.

If they fail to pay the fines, police can prosecute them for the original offence.