Detective who tested positive for cocaine barred

A detective sergeant who tested positive for cocaine at work has been barred from ever serving as a police officer again.

A misconduct panel ruled Gary Story would have been dismissed from his job with Cumbria Police had he not resigned days before the hearing.

A report said Story was picked for a random drug test by the force's anti-corruption unit in August and was found with benzoylecgonine, a product created in the system when it breaks down cocaine.

Chief Constable Darren Martland said: "I hope that the proactive action taken by the constabulary reassures the public that we will hold our officers to the highest standards and where they fall short, action will be taken."

Initially Story had told anti-corruption officers he was unable to provide a urine sample but was given "additional time and liquid intake to assist in the process" and provided one three hours later.

The level of benzoylecgonine found was 940 nanogram per ml of urine - the report said positive results were detected above 150 - meaning he was six times over the "acceptable limit".

Story did not attend the hearing, but he "fully admitted the case", according to the report.

It said: "The use of drugs means an officer is not safe or fit to protect themselves, their colleagues, but most importantly, the public they serve."

The panel was told Story had shown remorse for his actions and said this was an isolated occurrence.

"The officer states he was experiencing significant stress and alcohol intoxication whilst off duty at the time of the ingestion."

Story was found to have committed gross misconduct and was placed on the barred list, meaning he can no longer serve for any police force.

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