A SENIOR police officer's career is in jeopardy after she was arrested for drink-driving.

Elizabeth Byron faces a court appearance after being stopped in the North-East.

Ms Byron, an inspector in Hertfordshire Constabulary, has been charged with being over the limit in Barnard Castle, County Durham, in May.

She has already made one court appearance, which was adjourned until June 25, before Bishop Auckland magistrates, when she is expected to enter a plea.

Insp Byron was, until recently, head of her force's strategic road planning division. A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said she was on long-term sick leave.

He said: "A police inspector from Hertfordshire has been charged with drink-driving after being arrested by police from Durham Constabulary.

"Hertfordshire Constabulary's complaints and discipline department is aware of the case and once the matter has progressed through the courts will investigate the matter fully.

"Incidents of this nature are treated very seriously by the constabulary, but it will be a matter for complaints and discipline to pick up."

Insp Byron, who has served in the Hertfordshire force for 24 years, stepped down as head of its strategic road policing unit after going on sick leave earlier this year.

The spokesman said she was demoted to the rank of inspector after being found guilty of disobedience to an order following a previous unconnected inquiry.

Insp Byron was accompanied by an officer from Hertfordshire in Bishop Auckland for the court hearing relating to the drink-drive allegation.

The spokesman confirmed the force would be represented at the next hearing.