A police officer who was found to be more than three times over the alcohol limit whilst on duty and driving a force transit van, will be sentenced on May 5 next year.
Helen Kane was stopped on Waggs Lane in Wickham, Gateshead on November 3 this year.
Kane, 37, gave a reading of 117 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Kane, of Belmont in County Durham, pleaded guilty to driving whilst above the legal alcohol limit at a previous hearing.
She denied an additional charge of holding of public office whilst wilfully neglecting to perform duties, or wilfully misconducting duties.
Kane will stand trial for the second charge on May 5.
PC Kane has been suspended from Northumbria Police, and now faces a work misconduct hearing.
On Monday she appeared at Teesside Crown Court and was released on unconditional bail.
Kane was temporarily banned from driving at a hearing on November 19.
Superintendent Steve Ammari, Head of the Professional Standards Department at Northumbria Police, said: “As soon as concerns were raised in relation to this individual we began an investigation and they were subsequently suspended from duty.
“We can confirm we are also progressing misconduct proceedings.
“We want to reassure the public that the actions of this individual are in no way representative of the officers, staff and volunteers who every single day display the highest levels of professionalism and commitment to the communities we are proud to be a part of and to serve.
“We expect these standards to be maintained at all times and if anyone is found to have fallen below them we are committed to taking appropriate action.”
How deplorable indeed.
Article was good, her conduct wasn’t.
The standard defence of the odd rogue officer is wearing pretty thin. Many if not all police forces appear to have serious issues and conflicts which need to be addressed. Denial won’t work.