The former head of a police force’s professional standards department has been banned from driving after “swerving onto the road” while drunk.

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

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

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

Kessell was arrested the night of the incident and given a breathalyzer test, with a reading of 115 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath. The legal limit is 35 mcg.

He was also given a 12-month community order to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and 12 months of mental health 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 conduct.

He said: “There have been several calls from members of the public regarding driving standards, swerving on the road, almost going into a hedge at one point. »

David Hurley, defending, said his client suffered from mental health problems.

He explained: “He suffered from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and he self-medicated with alcohol.

“This was committed while he was driving past Dorset Police headquarters, which triggered flashbacks, he bought alcohol and consumed it before driving.

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

Mr Hurley said his client had sought mental health support.

During sentencing, District Judge Anthony Callaway said he had read references about Kessell, including one from the police chief, who “spoke very highly” of him.

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

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