Det Supt Paul Kessell, a former police superintendent, was recently found guilty of gross misconduct after being caught driving with 115 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is three times over the legal limit of 35 micrograms. The incident occurred on the A352 in Wool at around 4pm on 4 August.
As a result of his actions, Det Supt Kessell pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit. He is set to be sentenced on 5 November. A hearing at Dorset Police headquarters determined that his behavior was a breach of appropriate standards, leading to his resignation and placement on the barred list.
It is worth noting that Det Supt Kessell had previously served as the head of the force’s professional standards department and had been vocal about police misconduct cases. In 2022, he had criticized another officer for driving with twice the legal alcohol limit, stating that such behavior tarnished the reputation of the police service and would not be tolerated.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell of Dorset Police emphasized the importance of upholding professionalism and integrity both on and off duty. She stated that swift action would be taken against any officer or staff member who fell below these standards and that they would be held accountable for their actions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol can have devastating consequences, and Dorset Police is committed to identifying and taking action against anyone found to be intoxicated while driving. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding high standards of behavior, especially for those in positions of authority and responsibility. Let this be a lesson to all that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their position.
