A POLICE sergeant from Roman Way, Alcester who was found guilty of driving over the legal limit will now wait to find out if he will be dismissed.

Stephen Patrick Saunders, aged 51, was found guilty of driving with excess alcohol following a two-day trial at Leamington Spa Magistrates Court.

He was fined £790 with £79 surcharge and £600 costs amounting to £1369 and banned from driving for 18 months.

Saunders, a Safer Neighbourhood Team officer based in Bromsgrove, was arrested and charged on September 23 following an incident that occurred in town the day before.

He appeared at Leamington Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 8 where he pleaded not guilty to two common assaults and drink driving. He was released on conditional court bail to reappear on Thursday, January 29.

The two assault charges were dropped as no evidence was presented.

Police spokesperson said “Mr Saunders was arrested on the same evening the incident occurred and following initial enquiries, was charged the next day. We expect the highest levels of behaviour of all our officers and staff. Mr Saunders has faced the consequences of his actions today.

Mr Saunders will now face an internal disciplinary process. We cannot speculate on the outcome of that as there are a range of sanctions that could be applied.”

He was suspended from his duties following this incident but has since returned on restricted duties.