Misconduct hearing: former Constable Woodman

We can confirm that a former Merseyside police officer was formally dismissed at a misconduct hearing on Friday 3 September.

The hearing found that ex-Constable Woodman breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to fitness for work and discreditable conduct which amounted to gross misconduct.

On 28 April 2021 Woodman pleaded guilty to drink driving in relation to an incident on 14 December 2020. He received three-year driving ban, 160 hours community service and was ordered to pay all associated court costs for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

He had previously resigned from the force on 22 December 2020.

Chief Superintendent Jennifer Wilson, Head of the force’s Professional Standards Department, said: "We demand the highest possible standards from all our officers and staff. The public quite rightly have high expectations of our officers and Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring we meet those expectations.

"When we receive information about those alleged to have fallen below those standards, we will always thoroughly investigate to ensure the public across Merseyside can continue to have the utmost confidence in the force.

“I hope that today’s outcome sends a clear and simple message to those who may consider drinking under the influence of alcohol: it is simply not worth the risk. 

“Dedicated officers from our Roads Policing Unit are out on our roads every day to stop people who may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are involved in a collision you will be breathalysed and action will be taken if you fail that test.

"We can’t stress enough, just because you’ve slept since you were drinking, it doesn’t mean the alcohol is out of your system, or that you’re safe to drive.  If in any doubt, don’t get behind the wheel and don’t risk your life and those of others by drink driving.” 

If you suspect someone you know is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, do the right thing and contact us @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.