Ex-cop drove while banned

A FORMER police inspector has been ordered to carry out unpaid work for getting behind the wheel of his car just weeks after he was banned for drink driving.

Hugh Murphy, 59, was disqualified in February this year after being caught behind the wheel under the influence.

However, he drove his Ford Fiesta in Wishaw, Lanarkshire and was spotted by officers.

He spent a night in police custody before appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitting driving the car while disqualified and driving with no insurance on April 2.

He has now been ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

He will also have to pay a £400 fine and has been banned from driving for 16 months.

Raymond Ferguson, defending, said: “He understands the significance of this, has got the message and has been fully co-operative with this.”

Dad-of-two Murphy joined Lothian and Borders police in 1985 as a constable before being promoted to sergeant in 1991.

He was promoted to rank of inspector in 2003 and served in Linlithgow.