Detective Inspector Sacked Over Drunk Driving Conviction
A top detective has been axed without warning after a drunken driving conviction tarnished his reputation.
DI Kevin Downard Caught Over the Limit
Detective Inspector Kevin Downard, from MO3 Covert Policing, faced a misconduct hearing on 25 June. The panel heard he broke professional standards by driving under the influence.
Back on 13 December 2019, Downard pleaded guilty at ipswich/" title="Ipswich" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Ipswich Magistrates’ Court to driving with 42 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath — well over the legal limit.
Punished with Driving Ban and Fines
- Downard was banned from driving for 13 months,
- eligible for a 25% reduction by completing a driver awareness course,
- fined £784,
- ordered to pay £105 CPS costs and a £78 victim surcharge.
Assistant Commissioner Throws the Book
Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball reviewed the evidence and found Downard guilty of gross misconduct. The result? Immediate dismissal from the force.
