‘Literally’ drink-driving: Man arrested after seen drinking lager while driving in Ballymena

Police Interceptors pulled the silver car over in Ballymena

A man has been arrested in the Ballymena area after Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers caught him drink-driving — while actively consuming alcohol behind the wheel.

The incident occurred on Saturday 10 May, when the PSNI’s Sprucefield Interceptors observed the male motorist openly drinking from a can of lager as they passed his vehicle.

“Yesterday, Saturday 10 May, Sprucefield Interceptors stopped a male that was driving this vehicle in the Ballymena area whilst drink driving . . . . literally !!” a PSNI spokesperson stated on Sunday evening.

According to police, the driver failed a roadside preliminary breath test and was immediately arrested and transported to a local custody suite.

“In custody the driver provided an evidential sample of breath of more than twice the drink drive limit,” the spokesperson added.

The individual has since been charged and is expected to appear in court in the near future.

This latest arrest comes as police continue to crack down on dangerous driving behaviours across Northern Ireland, particularly those involving alcohol.

The PSNI has consistently urged motorists to think before getting behind the wheel after drinking, warning that such decisions endanger lives and carry serious legal consequences.

As of May 2, 2025, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has reported that 57 people have lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads this year. This figure underscores the ongoing challenges in road safety and the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws and safety measures. 

In comparison, provisional figures indicate that 68 people died in road traffic collisions during 2024. The current year’s statistics suggest a concerning trend that necessitates continued vigilance and proactive measures to enhance road safety across the region. 

The PSNI, along with other agencies, continues to emphasise the importance of addressing the ‘Fatal Five’ factors contributing to road fatalities: careless driving, speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.

Public awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts remain integral to reducing these preventable deaths and ensuring safer roads for all users.