Police Officer Charged With Drinking and Driving While Another Faces Public Hearing

Published on: 7 Oct, 2015
Updated on: 9 Oct, 2015

A Surrey Police officer based in Guildford has been charged with driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit, following an incident in Guildford on Wednesday, September 30 (2015).

Police Constable Nicola Townsend is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 15.

PC Townsend has not been suspended but is currently working on non-operational duties pending the outcome of criminal and misconduct proceedings.

Another officer PC David Sherritt will on Friday (October 9) be the first Surrey police officer to have his disciplinary heard in public.

Following the introduction of new national legislation in May this year, Surrey Police made a commitment that all gross misconduct hearings against police officers would be held in public to increase transparency within the police service.

The hearing for will be held at Surrey Police Headquarters, Mount Browne, Guildford.

PC Sherritt will answer allegations that his conduct amounts to a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour for Discreditable Conduct, contrary to the Police (Conduct) regulations 2012.

The allegations follow a hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 24 where PC Sherritt was convicted of two charges; one count of harassment and a malicious communications offence.