Officer Oliver Haigh is banned from policing after admitting to drink-driving while on duty in Cheshire.
Last year, on September 30, Haigh drove to work and was reportedly over the legal alcohol limit while reporting for duty. On October 25, Haigh went to court in Chester and admitted he drove drunk in a Ford Fiesta with too much alcohol in his system.
Police tested his breath on Oakmere Road, where Cheshire Police HQ sits. His breath had 66 micrograms of alcohol, while the legal limit is 35 micrograms. The court convicted Haigh, who lives in Great Sankey, Warrington, at his hearing, and he cannot drive for 18 months now.
The court also fined him £120. He had to pay a £48 surcharge too, and court costs added another £85 to the total. Haigh resigned on October 19 by submitting a letter before the hearing took place.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts commented on the matter and considered all possible outcomes in the case. Roberts decided dismissal was right, had Haigh not resigned, and Haigh will be on a barred list, stopping him from being a police officer again.
Roberts acknowledged Haigh admitted his guilt and understands Haigh thought resignation was necessary. Roberts was very disappointed by his actions, noting Haigh showed promise during training. The facts are not in dispute, Roberts stated, and he finds the allegation proven true and the conduct amounts to gross misconduct.
Roberts stressed that the police will not tolerate this behavior, applying this standard to any officer or staff member.