A Devonport police officer has today appeared in the Devonport Magistrates Court charged with exceeding the proscribed blood alcohol limit (0.15) and driving without due care and attention.

Senior Constable Luke Bishop pleaded guilty to the charges. The court imposed a fine of $600, plus costs and Victims of Crime levy, in addition to the 12 months disqualification from driving imposed after the crash.

The charges relate to an incident on 3 September 2010 when S/Const. Bishop crashed his vehicle on Wesley Vale Road. He was taken to hospital where a blood sample was taken for alcohol analysis.

Earlier in the evening S/Const. Bishop finished his shift and then attended a private function at a hotel, where he consumed alcohol. He then returned to the Devonport Police Station, and consumed alcohol, before making the decision to drive home.

S/Const. Bishop was immediately disqualified from driving when the results of his blood tests were returned.

“The behaviour of Senior Constable Bishop is unacceptable to Tasmania Police and has brought discredit to the service,” said Commissioner Darren Hine.

“In addition to the penalty imposed by the Court, Senior Constable Bishop has been subject to internal reprimand and been transferred from a senior experienced position back to administrative and beat duties for at least 12 months,” said Mr Hine.

“We are now examining a policy whereby police officers who are caught with a high blood alcohol reading will be subject to instant dismissal.”

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296