A Christmas crackdown on drink-drivers has led to at least 17 motorists being charged with drink-related offences since December 1, according to Suffolk police.

Several other drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and are currently on police bail pending the outcome of investigations.

The Star has pledged to cover as many court cases as possible which come before magistrates in a bid to banish the scourge of people getting behind the wheel while over the legal alcohol limit.

Among those due to appear before Ipswich magistrates on Monday charged with drink driving are Samuel Beckett, 21, of Lackford Place, Ipswich, who was arrested by police at 2.45am on December 1 in Ravenswood Avenue.

Peter Baines, 59, of Chatsworth Crescent, Trimley, who was stopped in the road where he lives on December 1 is scheduled to appear in the same court on Monday.

Next Thursday Richard Farrell, 31, of Codling Road, Bury St Edmunds is due at the town’s magistrates to face a driving with excess alcohol allegation.

Gytis Teresevicius, 26, of Rapier Street, Ipswich, is due before Ipswich magistrates on December 27 charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle when above the alcohol limit, while Bradley Pearce, 27, of Walpole Street, London, is also due to appear on drink-driving and having no vehicle insurance charges.

Christopher Dowling, 20, of Castle Walk, Haverhill and Fabrice Brard, 45, of Ashley Road, Newmarket, will also be before Bury St Edmunds magistrates on December 27 charged with drink driving, as will Patrick Huckfield, 22, of Freckenham Road, Bury St Edmunds, who is accused of failing to provide a specimen.

Two more alleged drink-drivers Matthew Pope, 21, of Dock Street, Ipswich, and Craig Pope, 51, of Whitland Close, Ipswich, are due before Ipswich magistrates the following day.

Geoffrey Pipe, 62, of Church Lane, Brundish, Woodbridge, is scheduled to appear North East Suffolk Magistrates court in Lowestoft on December 31 for the same offence.

On the same day Bernard Middleton, 57, of Park Lane, Kirton, and Sandra Bultitude, 47, of Westleton Way, Felixstowe, will be before Ipswich magistrates charged with driving with excess alcohol.

Deborah Smith, 44, of Adastral Close, Felixstowe, is accused of drink-driving on the A14 and is bailed to appear at South East Suffolk Magistrates court on January 2.

Suffolk Constabulary launched its Christmas anti-drink-drive campaign at the end of November warning motorists officers would be out in force targeting those who are over the limit during the festive period..

Sergeant Paul Ward said: “We will be carrying out checks throughout the day, but with a real focus on early mornings following office parties and Christmas celebrations.

“If you are drinking don’t drive. And if you are driving the next day allow a decent period of time before getting behind the wheel.”