Senior Police Officer Faces Disciplinary Action After Drink-Driving Conviction

A senior police officer in North Wales has been convicted of a drink-driving offence and will now face a disciplinary procedure. Inspector Andrew Griffiths, 55, of North Wales Police, was convicted of driving with an alcohol level above the limit in Wrexham in May. The case was heard at Chester Magistrates Court, where Griffiths was disqualified from driving for 25 months. However, the ban can be reduced by 25 weeks if he completes an approved drink driving course by December 7, 2026, and attends up to five days of rehabilitation activity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inspector Andrew Griffiths, a 55-year-old police officer, was convicted of driving with an alcohol level above the limit in Wrexham, North Wales, in May.
  • The case was heard at Chester Magistrates Court, where Griffiths was disqualified from driving for 25 months.
  • However, the ban can be reduced by 25 weeks if Griffiths completes an approved drink driving course by December 7, 2026, and attends up to five days of rehabilitation activity.
  • Griffiths must now face gross misconduct procedures as a result of his conviction.
  • Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison acknowledged the verdict of the court and stated that drink driving poses a huge risk to other road users.
  • The incident highlights the importance of road safety and the consequences of drink driving.

Statistics:

  • 25 months: The duration of Griffiths' driving ban.
  • 25 weeks: The potential reduction in Griffiths' driving ban if he completes the approved drink driving course by December 7, 2026.
  • 5 days: The maximum number of days of rehabilitation activity that Griffiths must attend.
  • December 7, 2026: The deadline by which Griffiths must complete the approved drink driving course to reduce his driving ban.

Sources:

  • North Wales Live: "Senior North Wales police officer forced to face disciplinary procedures after being convicted of drink-driving"