South Yorkshire paramedic who was caught three times over drink-drive limit suspended

John E Shaw was found to have been more than three times over the drink-drive limit when he was taken to Doncaster Hospital after being spotted slumped at the wheel of his car in the South Yorkshire town on June 12 2014.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) paramedic was charged with the offence of driving with excess alcohol and pleaded guilty at a hearing at Doncaster Magistrates Court in October 2014.

Shaw informed the HCPC of the charge against him in the same month and later revealed that he had resigned from YAS.

HCPC panel chair Claire Bonnet said: “The conviction for driving with excess alcohol is a serious matter involving an obvious risk to other road users. The panel took the view that, in the period since the offence, Mr Shaw had demonstrated real and developing insight into the matter.

“The suspension period of 12 months would give Mr Shaw time to reflect further on the offence, consider what steps he may want to take if he decides, on reflection to return to his profession.”

YAS opted not to comment on the matter when approached.