A FORMER top ranking Suffolk detective has been caught drink driving after what he described as an “evening of carelessness”. Terence Lambert, who worked his way up to chief superintendent in the force, was spotted driving erratically in Playford Road, Rushmere St Andrew, at 11.

A FORMER top ranking Suffolk detective has been caught drink driving after what he described as an “evening of carelessness”.

Terence Lambert, who worked his way up to chief superintendent in the force, was spotted driving erratically in Playford Road, Rushmere St Andrew, at 11.55pm on January 23.

When he was stopped by officers he was found to have 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Lambert, of St Olaves Road, Kesgrave, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess alcohol at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court last week.

The 69-year-old, who left the force in 1989, was handed a £350 fine, ordered to pay £35 costs and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. However, this ban will be reduced by three months if he completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.

Speaking after the case, Lambert admitted he had made a “mistake” and added: “It was an evening of carelessness.”

He declined to comment further on his conviction.

Last night Carole Whittingham, of the Campaign Against Drink Driving, condemned Lambert for getting behind the wheel while over the limit.

She said: “He obviously knew the law because he's a former police officer but he chose to break it.

“It was an evening of carelessness that could have killed someone. I'm sure he didn't set out to hurt anyone but that doesn't wash with me.

“He probably thought he would get away with it.”

During his career with Suffolk police he worked in various different positions with the force, including a spell as a chief inspector in Felixstowe.

In July 1989, he received a long service award from the then chief constable Tony Coe, having been with the force for 31 years.

A Suffolk police spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment on Lambert's conviction as he has not been with the force for several years.