‘I was stupid’: Police officer Darren Paul Vance pleads guilty to drink driving at almost three times the legal limit

An experienced police officer has pleaded guilty to drink driving, after he was caught at almost three times over the limit at 9.39 in the morning.

An experienced police officer says it was stupidity that saw him get behind the wheel at almost three times over the limit.

Darren Paul Vance, 51, appeared in the Mount Barker District Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence on June 26.

His charges related to drink driving on Townsend Street, Mount Torrens, where on duty police officers spotted him behind the wheel with what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage.

Vance was convicted with a six-month loss of a licence and maximum mandatory fine of $900.

A police prosecutor said Vance recorded a blood alcohol reading of .132, almost three times over the limit.

“It was 9.39am on June 26. Police were performing speed detection duties on Townsend Street, Mount Torrens,” he said.

“They saw a passing vehicle and believed (they saw) a driver apparently drinking from an alcoholic beverage can, so he was stopped.

Patrolling police spotted Vance apparently drinking from an alcoholic beverage can while driving in Mount Torrens.

“He had no priors whatsoever and was given a six-month loss of licence which commenced at that point.”

Magistrate Lynette Duncan said a conviction would be recorded to serve as deterrent for future criminal activity.

“I accept your plea and what you said; that you regret the offence and given your lack of criminal history that this was out of character,” she said.

When questioned about the incident, Vance told the court: “I was stupid and had a big night the night before.”

SAPOL refused to say if any disciplinary actions will be taken. 

“The offence occurred whilst the officer was off duty. SAPOL have no further comment on this matter.”

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