It has been reported how a police detective was stopped after he was driving at 90mph and then gave a drink driving reading of over 3 times the limit.
The former detective, Mark O’Brien, admitted drink driving at Gateshead Magistrates’ Court in March and was then banned from driving for 25 months.
The court heard how he had been drinking wine at lunch before getting behind the wheel of his car. He was then seen by police officers swerving from side to side and ignoring their blue flashing lights. He only stopped when the police car pulled alongside and the officers made eye contact with him.
The Magistrates were also told how when he got out of the car, O’Brien stumbled and nearly fell into the road. When he was breathalysed, it showed he was nearly 3 times over the drink driving limit.
The court also heard how O’Brien had worked his way up to the Safe Guarding Unit, where he worked with victims of serious domestic violence and rape.
On 23 May O’Brien faced a Police Disciplinary Tribunal where he ws dismissed from the Police.
In delivering the decision, Chairwoman Rachel Mangenie told him how he had damaged public confidence in the police.
She said: “The panel concludes that the appropriate action is dismissal without notice.
“He has been a very fine police officer and served the public well. Sadly, it’s his actions and the decisions he made that have brought him to this hearing and, ultimately, this outcome. “He was driving on a busy carriageway. It is only by luck that there was no accident and DC O’Brien did not cause injury to himself or another motorist or passenger.
“This type of offending undermines public confidence. An outcome where he was allowed to remain an officer would seriously undermine the confidence the public has in Northumbria Police.”
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.
