Alcohol offenders will wear tags on Christmas Day

Around 770 offenders will wear alcohol tags on Christmas Day as part of the government’s drive to protect the public from drink-fuelled violence.

According to the government, alcohol plays a part in 39% of all violent crime in the UK, including domestic abuse which charities say rises significantly during the festive period.

Offenders with an alcohol ban have stayed sober on 97% of the days they were tagged but those who do drink face returning to court or prison for further punishment.

Crime, Policing and Probation Minister Kit Malthouse said: “Alcohol-fuelled violence ruins too many lives and families and creates mayhem in our town centres. It is a sad reality that over Christmas we see a worrying spike in domestic abuse and crimes fuelled by drink.

“Sobriety tags have already brought enormous benefit helping offenders change their ways and the Probation Service to clamp down on this behaviour and protect victims from further violence.”