POLICE are set to publish the names and photographs of convicted drink and drug drivers this Christmas in a bid to deter people from committing the crime.

North Yorkshire Police are urging the public to think of the consequences of drink driving and have stepped up their patrols in the run up to Christmas.

The force will be sharing details of a range of court cases on social media and with the press.

Like other forces, national guidelines encourage North Yorkshire Police to proactively publicise court results and identify offenders.

Sergeant Andy Morton, who has brought dozens of drink and drug drivers to justice in the course of his career, said: “We understand that most convicted offenders would prefer us not to publish their custody photograph, name, age and the details of their driving offences.

“People’s friends, family and employers will see these details in the news and on Facebook.

“And people really dislike drink and drug drivers.

"The stigma that quite rightly surrounds it means they are likely to be shocked at the selfishness of those who have committed these offences, which may make perpetrators feel embarrassed.

“But that’s nothing compared to the utter devastation that drink and drug driving can cause to the lives of innocent people.

"If you saw what I see, you’d never, ever drink and drive.

“So we’re urging people to consider the full range of consequences before getting behind the wheel intoxicated this Christmas.”

He added: “We’re being upfront and transparent about what could happen to you if you’re convicted.

"If you don’t drive while under the influence, your details will not be published.

"It’s that simple.”

A number of other forces across the UK have pledged to take a similar approach to publicising offences as part of their 2018 Christmas campaigns.

The information and custody photos can be published without the offender’s consent because they are legally defined as being of ‘public interest’.

High-level lawmakers such as the Attorney General encourage court cases to be publicised, as this ensures the crime and justice process is transparent.

They have made laws that allow this to happen, saying that ‘justice must be seen to be done’.

More than 40 motorists have been arrested in the first week of North Yorkshire Police’s Christmas drink and drug driving campaign.

Some have already been bailed to appear at court, where they face driving bans, large fines and the possibility of jail sentences.

Turn to page 47 for details of a motorist caught in the Thirsk area at four times the drink drive limit.