A former West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of gross misconduct after a drink-driving incident in Keighley. PC Abigail Pigram was over twice the legal alcohol limit when she crashed her car with a three-year-old child inside in August 2022.
The misconduct hearing revealed that Pigram’s vehicle had veered off Vale Mill Lane, slid down an embankment, and collided with a fence, eventually ending up on its side. A member of the public reported the crash, which occurred around 18:00 BST, after Pigram had left the scene with the child. She later returned in another vehicle and attempted to dissuade her colleagues from pursuing the investigation.
Pigram was arrested after failing a breathalyser test and was subsequently convicted of drink-driving. She received a 12-month driving ban and a £200 fine. Her defence that she had consumed alcohol after the crash, known as the “hip flask defence,” was rejected by the magistrates.
The independent panel concluded that Pigram’s actions constituted gross misconduct and that she had breached the professional standards expected of a police officer. The panel stated that she would have been dismissed without notice had she not already resigned and that her name would be added to the police barring list.
Callum Cowx, who chaired the misconduct hearing, highlighted the gravity of her actions, stating, “Drink-driving has been socially unacceptable for decades, and for an off-duty officer to do so, with a three-year-old child in the vehicle, smacks of hypocrisy.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Nicola Bryar of West Yorkshire Police expressed disappointment that Pigram had not sought help for her issues with alcohol. She emphasised that the force offers support for employees who recognise their problems and seek assistance.
This case underscores the importance of maintaining high professional standards within the police force and the severe consequences of failing to adhere to these standards.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
