"There should be a degree of shame attached to drink-driving"

Jersey's Police Chief says there should be a degree of shame attached to drink-driving, after eight people appeared before court last week charged with drink-driving offences.

Five of the eight have already been sentenced.

Of those five, two have been jailed, including Jose Filipe Santos Balelo, 31, from Madeira.

He has been sent to prison for nine months, given a 36-month driving ban, and recommended for deportation after completing his sentence, which included for offences of driving whilst disqualified and without insurance.

This is the time of year when drink-driving incidents are statistically at their highest - 676 have been identified by Jersey Police between 2020 and 2025, with spring and summer recorded as the periods of greatest risk.

Despite the force giving repeated previous warnings, including back in May when nine people were convicted for drink-driving in just a week, officers are still arresting people who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

Chief Officer, Robin Smith, said:

"There is no such thing as an innocent drink-driver. Every person convicted of drink-driving made a deliberate decision to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

"Recent road tragedies have shown just how devastating the consequences of poor decisions behind the wheel can be. Even where no collision occurs, a drink-driving conviction can result in the loss of your licence, significant financial penalties, reputational damage and, in some cases, the loss of employment. These are consequences people bring upon themselves through a completely avoidable choice."

"Eight people appearing before the courts in a single week is eight too many. Frankly, there should be a degree of shame attached to drink-driving. It is not a mistake or bad luck. It is a choice that puts other people at risk."

Police say previous road safety campaigns have seen an increase in public reporting of drink-driving incidents, and the force is urging that reporting to continue.

Officers will be carrying out road safety campaigns shortly, starting with Road Safety Week and the Be Safe, Be Seen initiative.

They will also talk to young road users on driving safety, before focusing efforts on reducing drink-driving and getting home safely in the lead up to the festive season.

The force said:

"A key part of that activity will be the Get Home Safe campaign. Developed to encourage long-term behaviour change, the campaign promotes a simple message: think about how you are getting home before you start drinking. Whether it is arranging a lift, using public transport, getting a taxi or choosing a designated driver, planning ahead can prevent a criminal conviction, a serious collision or worse.

"The campaign also encourages Islanders to look out for friends, family members and colleagues, recognising that reducing drink-driving is a shared responsibility across the community.

"Anyone who suspects a person is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol is encouraged to contact police immediately on 999."