West Yorkshire cop caught drink driving to work—slapped with ban and fine
PC Lewis Goddard Drives to Work Stone Cold Smashed
Lewis Goddard, a 32-year-old officer with West Yorkshire Police in Leeds, turned up to Stainbeck Police Station well over the booze limit on February 17, 2025. Colleagues spotted he was sloshed and reported him. A breathalyser test clocked Goddard at 72 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath — more than double the legal driving limit of 35 micrograms, and five times over what’s allowed for on-duty officers.
Magistrates Slam on 18-Month Driving Ban and Fine
At york/" title="York" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">York Magistrates’ Court, Goddard pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was handed an 18-month ban from the roads, with the chance to cut the ban by 18 weeks if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course. On top, he was fined £385, hit with a £154 victim surcharge, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.
This sentence is in line with typical UK punishments for first-time offenders. The rehab course is part of a national push to curb reoffending, with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) saying such programmes can reduce repeat offences by up to 6%.
Calls Grow for Tighter Police Accountability
The case has stirred fresh debate about police standards and accountability. Officers are expected to uphold the highest conduct on and off duty, but this slip-up puts those standards under the microscope.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
“We expect the highest standards from our officers. An internal investigation is now underway, and appropriate disciplinary procedures will follow.”
It remains unclear if Goddard will keep his job, with the force’s Professional Standards Department set to review the matter.
