Dorset: Seven Charged So Far In Drink-Drive Campaign

10 December 2014, 11:26 | Updated: 10 December 2014, 11:29

Seven people have been charged in the first week of Dorset Police's Christmas drink and drug driving campaign.

They include a 76-year-old Bournemouth man, arrested after a car smashed into a lamp post on Dorset Way in Poole.

The force launched its campaign on Monday 1 December and traffic officers have warned there will be an increase in traffic patrols and roadside checks throughout the festive period.
 
As in previous years, anyone charged with a drink or drug drive-related offence during the campaign will have their names and court appearance details released to the media. Custody images of those convicted could also be released to the media.
 
Every driver who is involved in a collision during this period will be breath tested, irrespective of whether they are suspected of drink driving or not.
 
If someone is caught drink driving, they will face a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.
 
Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said:

“We don’t want to stop people having a good time this Christmas but we will do everything we can to make Dorset’s roads safer for everyone using them.
 
“Please don’t drink and drive – it is simply not worth the risk.
 
“I would also like to remind everyone that the morning after can be just as dangerous as the night before so if you have been drinking into the night, there is a strong chance that you may not be fit to drive the morning after. No amount of cold showers or black coffee will change that.”
 
During the first week of Dorset’s drink and drug drive campaign, officers were called to a road traffic collision on Dorset Way in Poole following reports a black Vauxhall Corsa had collided with a lamp post.

 
The driver of the car was uninjured.
 
David Ormesher, 76, of Bournemouth, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level is above the limit and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and is due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2014.

Others charged so far:

Martin Tisley, 46, of Poole, was charged on 6 December 2014 with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and is due to appear before Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2014.
 
Simon Powell, 46, of Portland, was charged on 6 December 2014 with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and is due to appear before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on 2 January 2015.
 
Lee Haines, 47, of Poole, was charged on 6 December 2014 with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and is due to appear before Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2014.
 
Darren Read, 52, of Bournemouth, was charged on 8 December with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and is due to appear before Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2014.
 
Geoffrey Porteous, 64, of Corfe Mullen, was charged on 8 December with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and is due to appear before Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2014.
 
David John Rann, 28, of St Leonards, was charged on 9 December with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit and is due to appear before Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2014.

Inspector Butler is urging people to call the police on 101, or 999 immediately, if they suspect someone is drink or drug driving. Calls can also be made to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.