'My career has ended in disgrace'

“I'VE ended my career in disgrace.” Those are the words of an ex-Cleveland Police officer moments before she was sacked from the force.

- By JADE MCELWEE

Detective Constable Andrea Murphy-King was caught drink driving on the A19, but lied to her colleagues to try to cover her tracks.

But unfortunately for the 48-year-old from Stockton she was followed and pulled over for a second time where a breath test showed she was twice the drink drive limit.

The Mini driver was given a 17-month driving ban - but that was the least of her worries.

A police misconduct hearing has heard details of her “unblemished” 24-year career with the force which has now ended in tears.

She made submissions to Chief Constable Mark Webster before he retired as he made his decision on gross misconduct.

Murphy-King stated that she joined Cleveland Police in 2000 and it was “never just a job” but a vocation.

She outlined her dedication to the role, stating that she had missed her child's sports day, had holidays cancelled and worked weeks without a day off on more than one occasion. Murphy-King added that it was her intention to retire after 30 years in the force.

“There's no excuse for my actions,” she said, sobbing as she continued her statement.

“I'm totally ashamed of what happened on the day of my arrest.”

She continued that she has brought “shame” on her family and “shocked” herself by her actions.

She asked the chief constable to show “leniency” and “sincerely apologised” for her actions. “This incident doesn’t reflect me,” she added.