Arrests for drink and drug driving rise by thirty per cent in Leicestershire

• VIDEO report by Phil Brewster, ITV News Central

The number of arrests for drink and drug driving-in Leicestershire over the Christmas period have risen by almost thirty per cent, compared to last year.

Police say they're disappointed as more than 130 people have tested positive so far.

Police forces in the Midlands are warning motorists who are celebrating this evening, that could still be over the drink-drive limit on New Year's Day.

The advise states that neither sleep nor coffee will help drivers sober up.

PC Shaun Gent from Leicestershire Police said: "In the last few days alone we've had a person that blew 230 on the roadside reading.

"The legal limit is 35, that's 6 times the legal limit.

"I would have expected that person to be hospitalised or near to death, not driving a vehicle."

Last year 21 year old Frank Martell from Balderton near Newark was killed when his Ford Focus was hit by another car driven by a man two and a half times over the limit.

His death left his family devastated. His sister, Kirsty Martell said: "It's not just grief, it's anger. And hatred as well because we just think....why?"

Frank's mother Kathryn Martell said: "It spoils so many different things because he isn't here."

PC Shaun Gent added, "Police officers stand on the doorstep. They put their hat under their arm, and they give that news that they shouldn't have to.

"And if that's a result of an entirely preventable situation as a result of somebody's foolhardy consumption of alcohol, well shameful."

For anyone caught drink-driving the penalties range from losing their licence, to up to 20 years in prison if their actions end up killing someone.