News
Christmas saw 171 arrested for drink and drug driving
Northumbria police have revealed that 171 North East drivers were arrested over the festive period for drink and drug driving.
This follows their allegiance to the annual festive Drink and Drug Driving Campaign, led by the National Police Chief’s Council.
An increased effort by the Motor Patrols Department and Operation Dragoon Team resulted in random stop checks, deliberately carried out to tackle drink and drug driving in the region.
Sergeant Glen Robson, from the Operation Dragoon Team, revealed, although he is delighted by the results, drivers still need to think before grabbing their keys: “It’s great to see the success of the campaign but it shows drivers are still taking very dangerous risks on the roads.
“It shouldn’t be underestimated how even one drink can have an impact on your reaction times and your ability to drive safely without putting your life or others at risk.
“Drinking and driving, or taking drugs and getting behind the wheel, is no joke.
We’ve dealt with fatal incidents and incidents where people have had life changing injuries because people thought they would be ok to drive after one drink and it has come at the cost of someone’s life.”
The month-long crackdown saw 1,200 vehicles stopped and 700 motorists breathalysed, 171 of which were arrested.
Targeted operations aimed at drink and drug driving such as this are executed at busier social periods, for example Christmas and New Year, although the same type of enforcement is carried out all year long.
In their Facebook post, Northumbria police encouraged the public to come forward with any concerns about drunk drivers or if they have dash-cam footage.
Sergeant Robson added: “I can’t urge people enough to take this seriously and think before you drink. Leave your keys behind if you’re driving, get a taxi or public transport – no journey is worth a life.
A Sunderland football player on loan to Lincoln FC has had his loan terminated after he was charged with rape.
Jack Diamond, 23, had been arrested after a sexual assault in Washington, Tyne and Wear, last year.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation, but have now charged him with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Lincoln City FC said the player’s loan contract had been terminated “with immediate effect”.
His home club, Sunderland AFC, said he had been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
In a statement, it said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time”.
The incident is alleged to have happened in May last year.
Mr Diamond, of Fatfield, also Washington, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
TV presenter and comedian Paul O’Grady has died at the age of 67, just weeks after starring in a Newcastle theatre production.
The TV star, who was from Birkenhead on Merseyside, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, a statement said.
His partner Andre Portasio made this statement: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.”
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
The TV star, starred in a theatre prodution of Annie just weeks ago in Newcastle as it returned to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal from March 7-11.
O’Grady starred as the role of Miss Hannigan, the head of the orphanage who hates children. He had been due to perform the show across the UK up until November this year.
Karen’s Diner on Tour coming to town on tour and ‘well if y’all show up in force we’ll either come as a longer term pop up or simply just stay put for a while until we’ve insulted everyone in the North East!’
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See our two below YouTube videos from the last time they were in the toon to see what to expect…
Follow our channel for more local videos…
*affiliate link – we may receive payment for sales for this event.
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