Police officer’s career in jeopardy after ‘classic’ drink driving offence

A young policeman is facing the sack after admitting a drink driving offence which brought him a 12-month ban and a £400 fine.

Jonathan Mustard, 21, will be the subject of internal disciplinary procedures by Northern Constabulary now that his case has been dealt with.

Mustard turned up at Lerwick Police Station to start his early shift on 8th October last year.

A supervisor was concerned about his fitness to carry out his duties. The usual procedures were carried out when it became clear Mustard had driven his car to work.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court today Mustard admitted driving with 96 miligrammes of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 80 milligrammes.

Defence agent David Hunter said the incident was “a classic case of the morning after”.

He added that, while Mustard is only 21, he has enjoyed five years service with the force, having been a cadet.

He said the incident had been a spectacular error of judgement for Mustard and could well bring an end to his career as a police officer.

Sheriff Philip Mann told Mustard: “This was indeed a spectacular error of judgement, and it is likely to have a serious effect on your career.

“It’s heartening that your superior officer took the action that he or she did, because it demonstrates that everyone is subject to the law no matter what their occupation.”

Showing a degree of sympathy for Mustard, he said he hoped the “powers that be” would take the view that “everyone is entitled to make an error of judgement”, although he stressed he did not condone offending of this nature.

The ban can be reduced by three months if Mustard completes a drink drivers rehabilitation course.

Shetland area commander chief inspector Angus MacInnes said he wished to recognise the work of the officers in Lerwick who dealt with the incident in a “challenging” set of circumstances. He said the case demonstrated the police force’s commitment to tackling allegations of drink driving regardless of who was responsible.

In a short statement, Mr MacInnes said: “We note the outcome at Lerwick Sheriff Court today. The force does not condone criminality of any kind and officers are expected to maintain the highest level of professional standards. As this matter will now be the subject of internal disciplinary procedures it would be inappropriate to comment further.”