Bay of Plenty police officer sentenced for drunken, careless driving while on duty

He has been disqualified from driving for six months and made to pay reparations.
He has been disqualified from driving for six months and made to pay reparations. Photo credit: Getty

A Bay of Plenty police officer has admitted to drunk driving and careless driving after a crash in Edgecumbe.

The officer, who was on duty at the time, was the sole occupant of the car when he crashed on the corner of Otakiri Rd and Main St on April 6.

He pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving, and one count of driving with excess breath alcohol.

On Wednesday he was convicted and sentenced to six months disqualification, and ordered to pay a $1000 fine as well as $2013 in reparations. 

The 38-year-old has been stood down from the police force.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Andy McGregor said the public "rightly" expects high standards from police staff.

"The vast majority of our staff act in accordance with police's values. As police have initiated an employment process we are unable to comment further on the matter."