"Drink-drive over Christmas and you will appear in court the following day".

That's the tough message from the courts as the annual police clampdown on the offence enters its second week.

Two people have already been given hefty fines of around ?1,000 and banned for at least two and a half years. Several more have appeared in court and have been bailed with the condition they mustn't get behind the wheel.

Inspector Will Campbell (pictured) says police welcome the initiative and those who drink and drive can expect to be dealt with swiftly.

He told Manx Radio:

"The message we are putting out is that anyone who is caught drink-driving and is charged will either be kept (in custody) for court the following day, or will be bailed to court the following day.

"Ordinarily we would charge somebody (and) they would have a couple of days notice before they appear in court, but I think the message is clear.

"The courts and the constabulary want to stamp down on drink-driving, and people who put their own lives, and the lives of others on the Island's roads, at risk will be dealt with swiftly."

More on Tuesday's Mandate.