A CRACKDOWN on drink drivers over the festive period saw two motorists from Great Yarmouth and Gorleston being banned by magistrates last Friday.

Terry Edwards and Dene Ross failed breath tests after they were stopped by police in Lowestoft in the early hours of December 5 as part of a Suffolk police operation targeting drunk drivers.

Edwards, 23, of Avenue Road, Gorleston, and Ross, 21, of Albany Road, Yarmouth, were banned for 24 months and 12 months respectively after they pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Lowestoft Magistrates’ Court heard Edwards was seen by police by Hush Hush night club driving the wrong way down Marine Parade.

A breath test gave a reading of 90 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35 microgrammes.

Representing himself, Edwards said he was glad police had stopped him before he caused an accident and realised his conviction would jeopardise his job chances.

He told magistrates: “I am very sorry for what I have done.”

As well as his 24-month driving ban, Edwards was also fined �400 and ordered to pay �85 costs and a �15 surcharge.

Magistrates were then told Ross, a mechanic at Pertwee and Back, was seen by police hitting the kerb and swerving in the road at about 2.25am in London Road South.

Ross’ breath test result was 54 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – 19 microgrammes over the limit.

Sultan Walpole, mitigating, said Ross had so impressed his employers Pertwee and Back that they had moved him to another part of the company so he could keep a job. Because of his ban he would no longer be able to road test vehicles.

Mrs Walpole said: “He acted totally out of character. It was a foolish thing to do.”

Ross was also fined �200 and ordered to pay �100 in costs and a surcharge.

Three other alleged drink drivers are due to appear before Lowestoft magistrates on January 11 as part of the Christmas clampdown.

Chief Insp Ady Dawson said: “Drink driving can have tragic consequences. Those offending need to realise they are not just putting themselves at risk but other innocent road users as well.

“The message is simple: If you have anything to drink then don't drive.

"If you're caught drink driving and prosecuted you are likely to lose your licence and this will have an impact – it may affect your job, your home life and your social life.

“If you know of someone who is drink or drug driving, then please call the police.

“They are a danger to themselves, to you, your family and others, and they should be stopped."