PC Cheryl Rudge (pictured) turned up to work smelling of alcohol and has been banned from driving for 15 months

A drink-driving policewoman has been struck off after colleagues smelt alcohol on her two hours into her shift.

PC Cheryl Rudge started work at her local station before driving to a missing person call-out.

But a colleague noticed that the 43-year-old smelled of alcohol over two hours after her shift had started.

A misconduct hearing was told Rudge was breathalysed and was twice over the legal limit.

Rudge - who had an unblemished record stretching back 21 years - was arrested and said: 'This is ridiculous.'

She resigned from Dyfed-Powys Police just days before the disciplinary hearing.

Panel chair chief constable Mark Collins said: 'Police officers are and should be held to a high standard of behaviour because they are trusted by our communities to conduct the most sensitive of inquiries with respect and to uphold the dignity of the vulnerable at all times.

'Former PC Rudge's behaviour as set out in this case has fallen far below the standards required of a police officer at Dyfed-Powys Police and she has breached standards of professional behaviour relating to fitness for duty and discreditable conduct.

Rudge turned up to Brecon police station (pictured) six times over the limit for an on duty officer and twice the drink-driving limit

'Moreover her actions on April 12 put both her safety and that of members of the public at risk.'

Rudge had reported for duty at Brecon police station in Powys, Mid Wales, on April 12 this year at 6pm.

The hearing was told Rudge had 76mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath - nearly six times what is allowed for an on-duty police officer.

The PC was six times the limit for an on duty officer and twice the drink-driving limit when she took the breathalyser after a previously unblemished 21 years of service

She was arrested and admitted driving over the prescribed limit. Rudge was banned from driving for 15 months and fined by magistrates in Llanelli.

Now she has been put on the police barred list at the disciplinary hearing at Dyfed-Powys Police HQ in Carmarthen. Sergeant Roger Webb, representing Rudge, said she apologised for the offence.

The hearing was told Rudge had been having difficulties at home with her health and that of her husband.

After the hearing chief constable Collins said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff both on and off duty.

'Dyfed-Powys Police as an organisation advocates positive action in respect of any behaviour which falls below the standards expected and misconduct of this nature cannot, and will not, be tolerated.'