A SENIOR manager at North Yorkshire Police has been convicted of drink-driving.

Civilian Maurice Reese, 53, a human resources manager at the force, is still at work despite being caught behind the wheel while over the limit.

Reese has been disqualified from driving for 20 months by magistrates, as well as being fined £500 and ordered to pay £58 costs.

He is currently based in Malton and in charge of human resources for the force's Eastern area - which covers Hambleton, Rydale and Scarborough - and he has also headed up the department in York and Selby.

Reese, of The Green, Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, appeared before magistrates in Northallerton on October 31.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Mr Reese is a member of support staff working as a people partner in the human resources department.

"Mr Reese currently remains in post at North Yorkshire Police and internal procedures are being followed at the moment."

People partner is the job title given to human resources managers at the force since a recent overhaul.

They are the first point of call for all officers and staff with human resources issues.

Home Office guidelines on police officers, but not civilians, who are convicted of drink-driving, state: "The Home Office and the police are committed to reducing incidents of drink-driving, both generally and within the service.

"The damage to the reputation of the service by officers convicted of these offences cannot be overstated, and detracts from the credibility of the service in this crucial area of law enforcement.

"If you are a police officer convicted by a court of a drink-driving offence you can expect to face a formal disciplinary hearing.

"The usual sanction is either dismissal or requirement to resign, to reflect the seriousness with which these offences are viewed both within the service and by society generally."

Adam Briggs, North Yorkshire's deputy chief constable, hit out at drink-drivers earlier this year - accusing them of gambling with other people's lives.

The force launched a major crackdown on drink-drivers after 1,834 motorists were caught driving over the limit in the county in 12 months.

Mr Briggs said at the time: "This is a totally unacceptable number. That means every day there are five drivers or riders who feel they have the right to gamble with other people's lives. That attitude cannot be tolerated.

"Driving plus drink or drugs equals deadly danger. It is as simple as that."