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 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.
