DRINK-DRIVERS REPEAT SHAME
ADAMS’ FURY AT BOMB ATTACK ON HOME 32,000 caught sloshed behind wheel more than once
FORMER Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has dared dissident republicans to meet him faceto-face after a bomb attack on his home in west Belfast. His car was damaged when an explosive device was hurled on to his driveway, where two of his grandchilden had been playing 10 minutes earlier. A bomb was also thrown at the nearby home of Sinn Fein’s former northern chairman Bobby Storey on Friday night. The attacks have been blamed on anti-peace process republicans behind six nights of riots in Londonderry’s Bogside. Mr Adams, 69, challenged his attackers to face him and explain their rationale. “If they have the gumption to sneak up on our homes, I’d like them to explain what this is about,” he said. MORE than 32,000 motorists have been caught drinkdriving at least twice – including one repeat offender with NINE convictions.
Shocking DVLA figures reveal 28,791 drink-drivers have been prosecuted two times since 2010.
The data, released to us under Freedom of Information laws, also show 2,880 people were prosecuted three times and 438 were caught four times. There were 18 people in England and Wales with six convictions, three who have been before the courts seven times and four with eight convictions.
Drink-drivers face a minimum ban of one year, an unlimited fine and up to six months’ prison.
Road safety charity Brake called for harsher punishments. A spokesman said: “It is truly appalling there are so many repeat offenders. We urge the Government, the police and the courts to get tougher.”
Once their bans are over, most can reapply for their licences simply by filling out a form.
High-risk offenders, such as those found to be at least two and a half times the alcohol limit, must also pass a medical assessment.
Critics including the AA say all drink-drivers should have to prove, via blood tests and medicals, that they are not addicted to alcohol before they get their licences back.
The Department of Transport last night insisted offenders already face “tough” penalties.