A DARLINGTON police officer is facing the sack after admitting drink driving when he was stopped while almost three times over the limit.

PC Simon Hopper faces an accelerated gross misconduct hearing after he was banned from the roads for 26 months when he appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The officer has been suspended from duty and will face a disciplinary hearing later this month.

He was arrested on January 3 after he was stopped driving along the A19 near Middlesbrough in a Toyota Verso.

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A breathalyser reading showed he had 111 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which exceeded the prescribed limit which is 35 micrograms.

The officer, who lives in Eaglescliffe, was also fined £1,170 after pleading guilty to the offence when he appeared in court late last month.

Speaking after the court case, Superintendent Dave Cuthbert, head of Durham Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department, said the force and the public will not tolerate drink driving committed by anyone.

He said: “This officer was suspended while an investigation was carried out and will face an accelerated gross misconduct hearing.

“The public and Durham Constabulary quite rightly expect the highest professional standards from our officers and staff at all times, and the actions of this officer fell terribly short of those standards.

“Driving while under the influence is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Hopper’s drink driving conviction could result in him being dismissed from the force for gross misconduct.

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