Drink driving: 14 year old among 298 motorists arrested in Northern Ireland

Nearly 300 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving in Northern Ireland between 1 December and 1 January, police figures show.

The youngest of the 298 motorists arrested during the period was 14, while the oldest was 82.

The figure represented a small drop on the same period last year when 310 people were arrested for the offence.

The highest breath test reading recorded was 159µg/100ml, about four and a half times the legal limit.

Ch Supt Sam Donaldson said it was "extremely frustrating and concerning that a minority of people continue to disregard the safety of themselves and others, by taking the incredibly dangerous risk of driving after drinking or taking drugs".

"The 298 motorists now find themselves facing the prospect of starting 2024 with a court appearance and losing their driving license, which may have a huge impact on their life, that of their family and probably their career," he added.

"These figures show that if you drink and drive you will be caught, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished."

The highest number of arrests were made in Belfast at 65, while Fermanagh and Omagh saw the largest decrease in arrests with nine compared to 31 in the same period last year.

Males accounted for 82.6% of those arrested for drink or drug driving offences, while more than half of those arrested were between 30 and 49 years old.

Of the 7,250 breath tests carried out, 355 resulted in a fail or failed to provide.