Custody warning for drink-drivers

Police warn offenders face time in custody

A senior officer has warned that anyone caught drink-driving will face time alone in a police cell away from their friends and family.

Insp John Smith, Northern Constabulary's head of road policing, said offenders would be held in custody until the next available court date.

Seven people were arrested in the past week for driving while allegedly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Northern has been taking part in a national crackdown on drink-driving.

'Very busy'

Insp Smith said: "Due to the nature of the offence seven people were held in police custody until the next available court date.

"Individuals who may have wanted to celebrate during the festivities found themselves away from their families and alone in a police cell.

"This is certainly no way to spend your Christmas."

Meanwhile, Northern Constabulary praised the behaviour of the majority of revellers on nights out in Inverness on the last weekend before Christmas.

Ch Insp Julian Innes said: "It was certainly a very busy weekend for the emergency services and partner agencies, but on the whole people were generally well behaved.

"We witnessed some incidents of public drunkenness and minor disorder, but on the whole people were generally well behaved."

He thanked the Street Pastor organisation and Scottish Ambulance Service for its support.