11 arrested for drink-driving as police issue ‘Fatal Five’ warning

Police in Belfast made 11 arrests for drink-driving offences over the weekend, with ten individuals already charged to court, as part of an ongoing crackdown on road traffic offences.

Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham, Road Safety Lead for Belfast, described the continued prevalence of drink and drug driving as “alarming,” warning that such behaviour endangers lives across the community.

“Worryingly, we are continuing to detect drivers drink/drug driving, which is alarming, as this places so many other road users in danger,” Chief Inspector Cunningham said. “We all share the responsibility to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“That’s why we are appealing to drivers to remember the ‘Fatal Five’ and how to avoid them. Don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.”

Details of the Arrests

The arrests took place between Saturday 3rd and Tuesday 6th May, with several individuals now facing charges in upcoming court appearances.

Among the most serious incidents was the arrest of a 19-year-old male following a report of an attempted car theft on University Avenue shortly before 7.45pm on Monday 5th May. He was detained on suspicion of multiple offences, including driving while unfit, kidnapping, taking a motor vehicle without authority, and driving without insurance. He remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries.

In a separate incident, a 69-year-old man was arrested in the Cumberland Road area of Dundonald at around 4.50pm on the same day. He has since been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath and is scheduled to appear before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on 3rd June.

A 32-year-old man was detained on Divis Street in west Belfast at approximately 9.05pm and has also been charged with driving over the alcohol limit. He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on 3rd June.

Later the same evening, a 33-year-old man was arrested on North Queen Street, north Belfast, just before 11.50pm. He has been charged with a drink-driving offence and is due in Belfast Magistrates’ Court on 7th May.

In the early hours of Tuesday 6th May, a 19-year-old man was arrested by patrol officers in Bruce Street, south Belfast, around 1.30am. He has also been charged with driving with excess alcohol in breath and is scheduled to appear in court on 2nd June.

Police Reinforce Road Safety Commitment

Chief Inspector Cunningham confirmed that an additional six people were also charged over the weekend following separate reports of drink-driving.

“I would like my message to be clear; drink driving is a crime, and Police are continuing to be proactive in detecting those people who commit this offence,” he stated.

“Reducing deaths and serious injury on our roads is a priority for us, and every single person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, after drinking or taking drugs are putting other road users and themselves at serious risk. Just one drink can impair decision making. Just one drink can cause a collision. Just one drink could kill.”

All charges are expected to be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service, as is standard procedure.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) continues to urge all road users to avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ offences and to play their part in keeping roads safe for everyone.

“That’s why we are appealing to drivers to remember the ‘Fatal Five’ and how to avoid them. Don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving,” – added Chief Inspector Cunningham.