A former police detective in Dorset, who was caught driving while three times over the legal alcohol limit, has been found guilty of gross misconduct. Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell was arrested on the A352 in Wool on 4th August around 4 pm, where he was discovered to have 115 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, far exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. The 45-year-old admitted to driving a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit and is set to be sentenced on 5th November.
Det Supt Kessell had previously served as the head of Dorset Police’s professional standards department and had been vocal about police misconduct cases. In a hearing at Dorset Police headquarters, it was determined that he had breached the expected standards of behaviour. Despite already resigning, he would have faced dismissal and has now been placed on the barred list. Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell emphasised the importance of upholding professionalism and integrity both on and off duty, stating that swift action would be taken against any member of the police force found to have fallen below these standards. The force recognises the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and remains committed to holding individuals accountable for such actions.
Det Supt Kessell’s case serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on police officers and staff to adhere to strict standards of conduct. The consequences of misconduct, especially when it involves serious offences like drink-driving, can be severe and tarnish the reputation of law enforcement agencies. It is essential for law enforcement authorities to take swift and decisive action in such cases to maintain public trust and accountability within the police force.
In summary, the article discusses the case of a former police superintendent in Dorset who was found guilty of gross misconduct after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident highlights the importance of upholding high standards of behaviour and integrity within the police force, and the need for swift action to address misconduct cases effectively. Such incidents can have serious consequences and underscore the significance of accountability and professionalism in law enforcement agencies.