A DRINK driver will spend Christmas behind bars after being charged with drink driving.

Dean Smith of no fixed address in the Thurrock area was jailed for eight weeks and disqualified from driving for 46 months at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on November 29, 2016.

The 41-year-old was arrested after failing a roadside breath test on Saturday, October 29, 2016.

Two Essex Police Specials from the Casualty Reduction Unit stopped his Ford Transit van on Gideons Way, in Stanford-le-Hope, at around 8.45pm following concerns about the manner of his driving.

Smith was taken into custody where he was found to be more than twice over the legal alcohol limit and charged with drink driving.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at court and was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Adam Pipe, Casualty Reduction Manager at Essex Police, said: "Dean Smith made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel of a van knowing he had consumed alcohol. The breath sample he provided in custody was found to contain 77 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath - more than twice the legal limit of 35.

"I only hope a custodial sentence and lengthy period of disqualification will force Dean Smith to face up to his actions.

"Drink and drug driving destroys lives and tears innocent families apart. This year our Christmas Anti-Drink and Drug Driving Campaign, which launched on December 1, highlights these tragic consequences through the eyes of our officers who sadly witness them first-hand. We’re also asking anyone who knows a drink or drug driver to do the right thing this Christmas and report them by calling us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No one will know you called but you could save a life. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

Follow our campaign on Twitter @essexpoliceuk and www.facebook.com/essexpoliceukusing #howitfeels.