Karis Ashton, 50, an officer with Kent Police had punctured and the engine of her car was still running when she was woken up, Bromley Magistrates’ Court was told.
She now faces the sack after years of service and losing two-thirds of her pension when she retires next year.
The mother-of-two, of Minnis Road, Birchington-on-Sea pleaded guilty yesterday to being in charge of the vehicle in Herne Bay Road on July 11 with 78 micrograms of alcohol on her breath.
The legal limit is 35.
“The defendant was asleep in the driver’s seat and the keys were in the ignition and the engine was running,” said prosecutor Arama Thompson.
No details were given regarding where Ashton had been drinking or where she was going or how her Mercedes came to be punctured.
“I ask for full credit for her guilty plea,” said Eliza Bell, defending. “She has lost her good character today and the consequences are significant.
“It is the beginning for her today in many ways and she will be subject to police disciplinary proceedings.
“She is due to retire next year after decades of service and may potentially lose two-thirds of her pension, which means she will be unable to pay her mortgage and other things she has been planning for years.”
The court heard Ashton has assisted in a national programme to help victims of domestic violence by speeding up the process they give video-recorded evidence.
“That is now tarnished due to doing something out of character, something that she will reflect on for evermore.”
District Judge Stephan Leake told the £50,000-a year officer: “Guilty pleas in this kind of case are important. They recognise responsibility on your part.
“You were in a vehicle with a puncture and taken by officers back to the police station and you were over the limit.
“You are a serving police officer with Kent Police and are nearing the end of your career after thirty years.
“It is clear this is extremely out of character. You have dedicated your life to public service and that is an important matter to take into account.
“The consequences of this conviction are significantly greater for you than other people and there are now disciplinary proceedings you will have to go through.
“The consequences of losing your job may lead to a significant reduction in your pension.”
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Traynor of Kent Police wrote a reference to the court supporting Ashton, who wrote a personal letter to the District Judge, referring to challenging personal family circumstances.
“The DCI spoke very highly of you and your work in domestic violence and the national scheme,” said Judge Leake.
“This case is your first offence and I am satisfied you are not a person who is a risk to other road users.
“You have been going through a very difficult time for a number of years.”
Ashton was fined £460, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £184 victim surcharge. Her driving licence was also endorsed with ten penalty points and she was not disqualified.
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