Policewoman, 24, faces the sack for breaking lockdown rules by allegedly going to a boozy family party – before drink-driving home and crashing into a house
- PC Tasia Stephens crashed into a home on the night of April 25/26, 2020
- The South Wales Police officer failed a breathalyser test after the incident
- She is accused of having attended a family party in breach of lockdown rules prior to the crash and faces being barred from the police service
- A hearing is due to take place next week in Pencoed, Bridgend
PC Tasia Stephens, 24, was off-duty when she crashed her car into a house after allegedly attending the family party, which took place on a Saturday night in April during the first lockdown
A young policewoman is facing the sack for allegedly breaking lockdown rules by attending a boozy family party then drink-driving on her way home.
PC Tasia Stephens, 24, was off-duty when she crashed her car into a house after allegedly attending the family party, which took place on a Saturday night in April during the first lockdown.
Stephens was found to be over the legal limit when she was breathalysed by fellow officers following the crash.
In April, the UK was under strict stay-at-home rules with those in Wales banned from meeting either indoors or outdoors with people from other households.
The South Wales Police officer could be barred from police service if she is found guilty.
‘It is alleged that PC Tasia Stephens, when off duty, on the night of 25/26 April 2020, breached Welsh Government lockdown restrictions by attending a family house party,’ a notice on the police force’s website read.
‘That on the same night she then drove when unfit to do so, colliding her car with a building.
‘Having failed a breathalyser test that night, the officer was subsequently convicted in the Magistrates Court of driving a motor vehicle when over the prescribed limit.
Stephens was found to be over the legal limit when she was breathalysed by fellow officers following the crash in April
‘It is alleged that breaking Welsh Government lockdown restrictions, driving when unfit, and being convicted of such an offence breaches the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Discreditable Conduct and if proven the breaches whether taken individually or cumulatively amount to Gross Misconduct that is so serious as to justify dismissal.’
The hearing is due to take place in Pencoed, Bridgend, next week, Wales News Service reported.
It will be closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The South Wales Police officer could be barred from police service if she is found guilty. A hearing will take place next week