A court has heard that, on 17th February 2025, a West Yorkshire Police officer drove his personal vehicle to a shift at Stainbeck Police Station in Leeds (pictured above) under the influence of alcohol
After he was breathalysed by colleagues, and found to be over the limit, PC Lewis Goddard, 32, was arrested at the station before being suspended from duty. He was then taken into custody where a further evidential breath test was conducted that gave a reading of 72 micrograms per 100ml of breath.
On 16th April 2025, PC Goddard pleaded guilty to driving whilst over the prescribed limit for drivers, 35mg per 100ml of breath, and was banned from driving for 18 months at York Magistrates’ Court. He was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £239 in surcharge and prosecution costs.
The court heard PC Goddard’s driving ban would be reduced by 18 weeks if he completes a drink driving rehabilitation course.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said after the hearing: “As an organisation, we can provide support for officers and staff who recognise that they have an issue with alcohol.
“Unfortunately, PC Goddard has not notified the Force of any concerns about his drinking and has instead chosen to drive to work and work a shift while over the limit. Thankfully a colleague has reported their concerns, and swift action was taken preventing him from putting himself or others at risk of potential harm by continuing his shift.
“PC Goddard has admitted and been sentenced accordingly for the offence he has committed. He is currently suspended from duty and will in due course be subject to a misconduct hearing.”
The force’s Professional Standards policy that any officer with more than 13mg of alcohol in their breath is unfit for duty. PC Goddard was more than five times over that limit (read more here).
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Neil Wilby is a journalist, court reporter and transparency campaigner who has reported on police misconduct, regulatory failures, and criminal and civil justice since 2009. He is the founder and editor of Neil Wilby Media, launched in 2015.
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