Ex-cop banned from force after being caught in police drink-drive crackdown

A former police officer who admitted drink-driving after being caught in a drink drive crackdown by her own constabulary has now been banned from the force.

Helena Stone was disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £400 at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court in April 2023. 

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

Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who presided over the accelerated misconduct hearing at GMP headquarters on 8/3/24, ruled that her actions amounted to gross misconduct and would have been dismissed if still serving. 

CC 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.” 

CC Watson also ordered Stone’s name to be added to the College of Policing Barred List. She resigned from GMP in September 2023. 

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.”