A 24-year-old has been banned from driving for 20 months after being the first person arrested in a crackdown on drink-driving during the festive season.

Tommy Bishop, of Kings Place in Buckhurst Hill, was charged on December 1 - just two hours into the initiative.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty.

Bishop received a £110 fine as well as a 20 month driving ban, which could be reduced by 20 weeks if he completes a driving course before January 2016.

The campaign, which has seen 1,320 drivers breathalysed and 66 arrested in the last 17 days in Essex, will run until January 1 and involves increased patrols and checks for drug use with roadside impairment tests.

Casualty reduction manager Adam Pipe, who is leading this year’s campaign, said: “Every year I am shocked that some selfish and foolish people still choose to put lives at risk by drinking and driving. 

“Sleeping it off after a night out or drinking a strong coffee doesn’t mean you’re fit to drive."