Driving ban for detective three times over the limit

The former head of a police force’s professional standards department has been banned from driving after he “swerved all over the road” while drink-driving.

Paul Kessell resigned as chief inspector at Dorset Police after pleading guilty to driving while three times over the legal limit at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in September.

The 45-year-old from Stoborough, Dorset, was subsequently found guilty of gross negligence by the police, who said he would have been fired if he had not already resigned.

He admitted drink driving along the A352 at Wool, near Wareham, on August 4 and has now been banned from driving for 25 months.

Kessell was arrested on the evening of the incident and took a breath test, which measured 115 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

He has also been given a 12-month community order to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and 12 months’ psychiatric treatment.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge.

Prosecutor David Finney said Kessell was arrested after members of the public alerted police to his driving.

He said: “There were several calls from members of the public about driving standards, swerving all over the road and almost hitting a hedge at one point.”

David Hurley, defending, said his client had mental health problems.

He explained: “He was suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and he was self-medicating with alcohol.

“This was committed as he drove past Dorset Police headquarters, causing flashbacks. He bought alcohol and drank it before driving.

“It was the stupidest mistake of his life, not only because of the consequences for him, but also for his family.”

Mr Hurley said his client had sought mental health treatment.

At sentencing, District Judge Anthony Callaway said he had read references for Kessell, including one from the chief constable, who spoke “very positively” about him.

He added: “I note the devastating impact this case has had on you, your family and your career.”

He said Kessell had also expressed “how deeply ashamed and saddened” he was by his behaviour.