Hard-hitting 'must-see' Christmas video and heart-breaking real life story behind it

North Yorkshire Police have launched their Christmas drink and drug driving campaign with a hard-hitting short film viewers are calling "powerful."

The short film showcases the harrowing impact of driving under the influence, and how it can shatter people’s lives forever. The annual campaign launches on Sunday, December 1, with officers increasing proactive drink and drunk driving patrols throughout the month of December.

The heart-breaking film highlights how mindless actions can leave others with an empty chair at the Christmas table with real life cases. The film, produced by North Yorkshire Police’s corporate communications team, starts by asking three individuals what they like about Christmas.

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One of those people is Angie - the sister of late Carol Jones. Eight years ago Carol was driving to work at Harrogate Police Station, when Simeon Denny crashed into her at the junction of Otley Road and Cold Bath Road.

Denny drove through a red light at 60mph, hitting Carol's car and killing her instantly. The 29-year-old was jailed at York Crown Court for five years, nine months. He was also banned from driving for six and a half years.

Investigations found that Denny was over the limit for both alcohol and cannabis. In the film, Carol's sister Angie says: “It doesn’t get any easier. And every year now, there’s an empty chair at my Christmas table.”

The two-minute film was shared to the official Facebook page of North Yorkshire Police and has already resonated with many. One social media user Richard Martin penned: "Very powerful, so sorry for the loss of your family members", while Jimmy Wyatt said: "These should be put back on the TV, however shocking they maybe but if it saves lives then?"

And Pat Mather responded with: "The sentences do not fit the crime. Five years for a life is no deterrent to these perpetual drinks drivers. My thoughts go out to everyone who has lost someone to a drink or drugged drivers."

While Mandy Riley agreed, writing: "Drink and drug driving needs a bigger sentence!! 5 years for killing innocent people is not enough! A life for a life. Thoughts go out to carols family."

Throughout the Christmas period, officers will be using marked and unmarked vehicles along with a range of specialist tactics to target those driving under the influence.

Officers hope to intervene and bring drunk and drug drivers to justice, before they have a chance to bring misery to families. Patrols will be taking place around the clock and static patrols will also be in place on various key routes around the country.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Remember, it isn’t just about having an alcoholic drink or taking drugs and getting straight into the car – you can also be over the limit or under the influence the morning after.”

During last year’s campaign, North Yorkshire officers conducted 731 roadside tests with 18.6 per cent of those testing positive to being over the limit for drink or drug driving. This was a 6.9 per cent increase from the same period in 2022.

Superintendent Andrew Berriman from NYP Specialist Operations Unit said: “Every year, police officers have to deliver the devastating news to people that their loved one has been killed in a collision relating to drink or drugs.

“The video which we have released today shows how the loss of one person can cause a lifetime of devastation. If you drink or drug drive, you are putting your own life and those of others in danger.”

Officers have urged individuals to report drunk and drug driving by disclosing the vehicle, registration, and location to police on 999. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This year’s campaign is a joint project between North Yorkshire Police and colleagues from the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership.

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