Police chief who slammed officer's drink-driving caught over the limit

A hypocrite police chief who lambasted an officer for drink-driving has been found guilty of gross misconduct after he was caught behind the wheel while being three-times over the legal limit.

Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell is the former head of Dorset Police's professional standards department and had a zero tolerance policy over driving under the influence.

The 45-year-old had previously commented on misconduct cases and when a colleague was sacked for drink-driving he condemned the behavior. 

But at 4pm on August 4 this year the senior officer was spotted swerving across the road in his Peugeot 308 on the A352 near the Dorset Police HQ at Winfrith.

A breath test showed he had 115 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35 micrograms.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving at Southampton Magistrates' Court in September and is awaiting sentence.

He has now faced a misconduct hearing held by colleagues at Dorset Police, yesterday.

The panel found Kessell did breach the standards of behaviour and discredit the police force and was therefore guilty of gross misconduct.

Kessell would have been dismissed from the force if he had not already resigned following his court appearance.

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Deputy chief constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: 'Whether on or off duty, we always expect our police officers and staff to maintain the highest standard of professionalism and integrity.

'When an officer or staff member is found to have fallen below these standards, we will ensure swift action is taken and they are held to account for their behaviour.

'We fully recognise the devastating consequences that can arise from people driving while under the influence of alcohol and remain committed to identifying and taking action against anyone who is found to be intoxicated while driving.'

Kessell had previously been head of professional standards for Dorset Police.

At the time of his drink driving offence he was in charge of firearms licensing although he was not on duty.

He was suspended from duty pending the outcome of court and misconduct proceedings but resigned after pleading guilty.

He is due to be sentenced on November 5.

After the finding of gross misconduct, he was also placed on the barred policing list.