Dr Olaf Biedrzycki, 50, who appeared on BBC’s documentary series ‘Death Unexplained’ has been axed by the Home Office and now fears for his career.
Ironically, it was the concerns of his wife Alexandra, 49, that led to his arrest as she informed police of his vehicle’s details, asking them to look out for him as his behaviour seemed off that morning.
He appeared at Staines Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to driving his red MG3 hatchback in Egerton Road, Guildford on November 28 with excess alcohol in his breath.
The pathologist gave a reading of 68 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.
He was fined £500, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £200 victim surcharge and was disqualified from driving for sixteen months.
The father-of-three had just left the £1.7m detached five-bedroom family home in Weston Green, Thames Ditton, where Alexandra felt his behaviour was out of character.
The doctor followed his father into forensic pathology and has spoken of his love for his role and how he enjoys waking at 5am each morning, excited about what challenges the day will bring.
“His wife contacted the police and she deeply regrets her over reaction because he was out of sorts that morning,” said Dr Biedrzycki’s lawyer Corinne Bramwell.
“He was stopped because his car was flagged that day, not because of the manner of his driving.”
Dr Biedrzycki conducted the post-mortem of former footballer Dalian Atkinson, who sadly died after being tasered by police officers, aged forty-eight years-old.
He also investigated the death of Anthony Walgate, 23, who was the first victim of East London gay serial killer Stephen Port.
Dr Biedrzycki also conducted the post-mortem of murdered Kent dog-walker Julia James, 53, and IT consultant Lee Pomeroy, 51, who was stabbed to death on a train near Guildford.
Prosecutor Rabbi Khan told the court Dr Biedrzycki was pulled over by police as he exited an A road.
“A member of the public had called the police, in this case the wife of the defendant, and he was seen driving at 14mph in a 30mph zone, drifting towards the near side.
“He told the police officers he had a few drinks the previous evening and was arrested after failing a road-side breath-test.”
Dr Biedrzycki was emotional as he sat in the secure dock during the twenty-minute hearing, which was also attended by his wife and a professional colleague.
“It is devastating for him to find himself in this situation,” explained Ms Bramwell. “It is extremely regrettable that he is here and it is not something that will be repeated.
“The last two weeks have been incredibly difficult to deal with and Dr Biedrzycki did not sleep for forty-eight hours after his arrest.
“The impact of a criminal record for this man is devastating. His career is his whole life.
“He has been suspended from Home Office work and that is fifty per cent of his income and he has referred himself to the General Medical Council (GMC).
“I hope that it is obvious the ramifications of his behaviour is huge. It is over and above the fine.
“He has to travel around to perform post-mortem’s. Often more than one in a day and he understands that a driving disqualification is a reality.
“He has had a good income and that has now been cut in half and is at risk because the GMC have the option of suspension or erasure for five years.
“Having been told he has high blood pressure he lost three stone in weight and was taking medication and not consuming any alcohol,” said Ms Bramwell.
“He started drinking when his wife was out and had not drank in months. He drank over a bottle of wine and went to bed and got up early.
“There are many mitigating factors. He is a person of good character, with an exceptional background.
“Taking into account the devastating impact this is having I ask the court to show as much mercy as possible.
“In reality he is now going to have to take taxis or rely on his wife.”
Dr Biedrzycki’s work regularly involved travel all over Kent and Surrey and to Poplar, east London and St. Helier, south-west London.
“The financial burden may run into many hundreds of pounds, increasing the financial burden of this family man,” added the lawyer.
“He works all of the time to support his family. He is busy and hard-working in a stressful job.”
Bench Chairwoman Jane Hargrave told Dr Biedrzycki: “We give you credit for your good character and your guilty plea and there are no aggravating features.
“Clearly you are a man of exceptional public service and your skills are in high demand.
“I am shocked that a man of your standing has to drive himself around south-east England, going from place to place and that obviously has had an effect on your health.
“You had a high income and that is now going to be halved.
“You will put this behind you. We see people such as yourself that reach a crisis and put it behind them and we wish you all the best.”
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