PC arrested in drink driving investigation

A Lancashire police officer was arrested when he was allegedly found to be over the drink drive limit while on duty.
Iain Norton, Lancashire Police officerIain Norton, Lancashire Police officer
Iain Norton, Lancashire Police officer

PC Iain Norton has been suspended by Lancashire Police while his case is heard.

The Blackpool officer, from Wesham, was arrested on March 20, for allegedly driving a Lancashire Police Vauxhall Vivaro van, registration plate P013 CXV, in Chapel Street, Blackpool.

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The road runs outside Blackpool’s main Bonny Street police station.

The police van involved in the allegationsThe police van involved in the allegations
The police van involved in the allegations

Court documents allege a breath test showed 57 microgrammes of alcohol in a sample of breath – 35 is the legal limit. PC Norton, 41, appeared before district judge Gerald Chalk at Furness Magistrates Court last week.

He refused to enter a plea with the judge directing a not guilty plea, according to court documents.

He has been remanded on unconditional bail until June 16. PC Norton has previously been praised by Lancashire Police for his work.

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In 2013 he received a bravery award from Chief Constable Steve Finnigan and Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw.

The police van involved in the allegationsThe police van involved in the allegations
The police van involved in the allegations

He was rewarded for his actions which saved a woman from an attack by a bull terrier. In order to free the woman, PC Norton gripped the dog around the mouth.

Despite being repeatedly bitten, he fought the dog off and saved the woman from further injury.

Lancashire Police confirmed PC Norton had been on duty at the time of the incident and has been suspended. The force said it was unable to comment further while the court case was ongoing.

The Gazette approached the Police Federation, which represents serving officers, but nobody was available for comment.