Former Met officer faces sentencing after Stansted drink‑driving crash
Leon McCalister, 47, recorded at 141 µg per 100 ml breath, will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in November after pleading guilty in August.
Leon McCalister, a 47‑year‑old former Metropolitan Police officer, was taken into custody by Essex Police after his Mercedes struck another vehicle near Stansted Airport on 10 July 2026. The arrest followed two breath‑alcohol samples taken at Harlow Police Station.
Alcohol reading and legal breach
The lower of the two breath samples showed a reading of 141 µg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, according to the police report. This figure is four times higher than the statutory limit of 35 µg per 100 ml.
“Officers are expected to uphold the law both on and off duty”
McCalister entered a guilty plea to the drink‑driving charge in August, as confirmed by court records. The magistrates’ court in Chelmsford has scheduled his sentencing for November 2026.
Potential disciplinary outcome
A misconduct hearing concluded that, had McCalister still been serving, the breach would have warranted dismissal without notice. Because he had already left the Met, the panel could not dismiss him, but he will be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing future police employment.
Questions this report answers
01What was Leon McCalister’s blood‑alcohol reading and how does it compare with the legal limit?
The police recorded a breath‑alcohol level of 141 µg per 100 ml for McCalister. The legal limit in England is 35 µg per 100 ml, meaning his reading was roughly four times higher than permitted.
02When and where will Leon McCalister be sentenced for the drink‑driving offence?
Court records show McCalister is scheduled to be sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in November 2026. The hearing will follow his guilty plea entered in August.
03Why could the Met Police not dismiss McCalister after the incident?
The misconduct panel noted that McCalister had already left the Metropolitan Police service before the hearing. Because dismissal can only be applied to serving officers, the panel could not remove him, but it added him to the barred list.
04What future policing restrictions will apply to McCalister?
The panel decided McCalister will be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list. This designation prevents him from being employed in any policing role in the future, effectively ending any chance of returning to the force.
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