The police sergeant admitted drink-driving while on duty

Sgt Robin Linton, 47, of New Abbey Road, Dumfries, admitted driving a van with 52 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath - above the limit of 35.

He was suspended after the incident on 14 July and will now be subject to police misconduct procedures.

A police spokesman said they were extremely disappointed a staff member had committed a "very serious offence".

Depute procurator fiscal Marie Kicinski said that Linton had been on mobile patrol in Dumfries when a colleague smelled alcohol on his breath and it was reported.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is deeply concerned about road safety and rigorously enforces the law to try and improve driver behaviour and reduce road crashes and casualties Police statement

Solicitor Liz Dougan told the court that the police officer had been in the force since 1988 and had a good work record.

She told Dumfries Sheriff Court he had domestic problems in 2003 when his marriage broke down.

Since then he had been signed off for a spell with depression and had sought medical advice but had returned to work far too early.

Ms Dougan said that on the day in question he had had some wine before starting his shift.

He had not expected to go out during the shift but was called on to drive the vehicle.

Reduced fine

Sheriff Marie McTaggart said the reading was not the highest she had seen and limited the disqualification to 12 months.

She also said that because of his early plea she would reduce the fine from �800 to �560.

A police statement said they took such offences seriously.