A former Metropolitan Police sergeant was nearly four times the drink-drive limit the day he crashed his car in Bourne.
Andrew Wright’s car veered into a kerb in Spalding Road and then hit a lamppost on the other side of the street.
Mark Holmes, prosecuting, said there was an “exceptionally high” alcohol reading of 135 microgrammes – the legal limit is 35.
Wright (55), who is battling alcoholism, was given an eight week prison sentence, suspended for a year, by Spalding magistrates on Thursday.
He must serve a 12 month community order with supervision and complete a six month alcohol treatment course.
Wright, of Delaine Close, Bourne, was also banned from driving for 30 months and ordered to pay £85 costs with an £80 victim surcharge.
He can cut six months off the ban if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course.
Presiding magistrate Sally Ruttley said: “If you break any of the requirements, you can expect to serve this sentence. We feel sure it won’t come to that.”
Wright admitted driving with excess alcohol on March 25.
Solicitor Alex Rynn, mitigating, said Wright suffered a number of traumatic experiences while in the Met, including the Regent Street bombings and the Tottenham riots, and during the 1990s was diagnosed with mild post-traumatic stress disorder.
He said Wright is battling alcoholism and urged the court to be lenient so he can get the treatment he needs.
Mr Rynn said: “The last time he was in a police court he was giving evidence at a trial.
“Should Mr Wright go to custody, there would be a considerable impact on his emotional wellbeing and that of his family.”