Jersey Police Chief Calls for ‘Degree of Shame’ Over Drink-Driving

Jersey’s Police Chief has called for greater social stigma around drink-driving after eight people appeared in court last week facing alcohol-related driving offences.

Five of those eight defendants have already been sentenced, with two receiving prison terms.

Among them was 31-year-old Jose Filipe Santos Balelo, from Madeira, who was sentenced to nine months in prison. He was also banned from driving for 36 months and recommended for deportation after completing his sentence. His offences included driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Drink-driving incidents traditionally increase during this period of the year. Jersey Police recorded 676 drink-driving incidents between 2020 and 2025, with spring and summer identified as the highest-risk periods.

Despite repeated warnings from police — including in May, when nine people were convicted of drink-driving in a single week - officers continue to arrest motorists who choose to drive after consuming alcohol.

Jersey Police Chief Officer Robin Smith said there was no such thing as an “innocent” drink-driver, arguing that anyone convicted had made a conscious decision to drive after drinking.

Recent road tragedies, he said, had demonstrated the potentially devastating consequences of dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

Even when a collision does not occur, Mr Smith warned that a drink-driving conviction can lead to losing a licence, substantial financial penalties, damage to a person’s reputation and, in some cases, the loss of employment.

He said: “Eight people appearing before the courts in a single week is eight too many. Frankly, there should be a degree of shame attached to drink-driving.

“It is not a mistake or bad luck. It is a choice that puts other people at risk.”

Police say previous road safety campaigns have resulted in more members of the public reporting suspected drink-drivers, and officers are urging Islanders to continue doing so.

A series of road safety initiatives is due to take place shortly, beginning with Road Safety Week and the Be Safe, Be Seen campaign.

Police will also engage with younger road users about safe driving before increasing their focus on drink-driving and safe journeys home ahead of the festive period.

A central part of the campaign will be Get Home Safe, which aims to encourage people to plan how they will get home before they start drinking.

Police are urging people to arrange a lift, use public transport, take a taxi or nominate a designated driver rather than risk driving under the influence.

The force also stressed that tackling drink-driving is a shared responsibility, encouraging friends, family and colleagues to look out for one another.

Anyone who suspects someone is driving under the influence of alcohol is urged to contact Jersey Police immediately by calling 999.