A former police officer has been banned from serving on the force ever again after being caught drink-driving in Oldham.

Helena Stone was stopped and arrested by an officer on Oldham Way as part of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP's) annual drink-drive awareness campaign on Christmas Eve, 2022.

At Liverpool Magistrates' Court in April last year, Stone was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £400 for her actions.

Stone resigned from the force in September last year.

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GMP's Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who presided over the accelerated misconduct hearing at the force's headquarters today (March 8), ruled that Stone's actions amounted to gross misconduct and she would have been dismissed if still serving. 

Chief Constable Watson said: “Whilst the outcome in these proceedings are fully justified, the circumstances reflect the waste of potential of a young officer. 

“Her fate should serve as a cautionary note to any officer foolish enough to commit a similar offence.” 

Chief Constable Watson also ordered Stone’s name be added to the College of Policing Barred List.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones, of GMP's Professional Standards Directorate, said: “GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate will ensure officers who break the law will not only face criminal proceedings but will also be subject to disciplinary action.

“Stone admitted her guilt and her reckless actions could have put other road users and members of the public at serious risk on the night she was arrested. 

“It was her decision alone to drink and then get behind the wheel.

“Whilst the officer had already resigned from GMP, today’s disciplinary outcome now means that the consequence of her action is that she forfeits the privilege of working in law enforcement in the future.”