Police make drink-driving arrest in Leamington on first day of anti-drink and drug driving campaign

Police arrested a man for suspected drink-driving in Leamington on the first day of an anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

Warwickshire Police will be publicising arrests made during December for drink or drug driving as part of its annual campaign aimed at changing people’s behaviour and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on the county’s roads.

It is part of the National Police Chiefs Council campaign to target those driving under the influence over the festive period.

During the first day of the campaign, the public alerted the police to a car being driven by a man who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol.

Officers on patrol spotted the car and stopped it in Clarendon Avenue in Leamington at 11.15am on Tuesday (December 1).

Following a breath test, 58-year-old Martin Lea of Skipworth Close, Brinklow was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

He was later charged with drink driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence and is due to appear before Magistrates Court in Leamington on January 8 2021.

Police also arrested a 21-year-old man from Rugby on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs after his car was stopped by officers on Leicester Road in Rugby just after 2am on Wednesday (December 2).

Following a search he was also arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis.

He will also be dealt with for tyre offences as the nearside front tyre was below the legal limit. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are also asking the public to provide intelligence about anyone they believe may be drink or drug driving in Warwickshire to police by dialling 101 or 999 if an offence is in progress.

Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.