A Cheshire cop was banned for life after drunk driving in a 2024 crash, convicted of gross misconduct.

A Cheshire Police officer, PC Owen Bourne, has been permanently banned from policing after being convicted of drink-driving in a July 2024 crash on the A500 in Stoke-on-Trent. The 20-year-old, driving a blue BMW two-series, had a blood alcohol level of 128 mg per 100 ml—well above the legal limit of 80. He pleaded guilty to drink-driving and careless driving, receiving a 16-month driving ban, a £120 fine, and court costs. A misconduct hearing found his actions amounted to gross misconduct, leading to his placement on the barred list, preventing future police employment. Chief Constable Mark Roberts stated the offense was premeditated and incompatible with police standards, emphasizing the serious judgment failure despite no serious injuries.