Ban for drink-driver found asleep at wheel of car
He was found to be more than double the legal alcohol limit
A Kent man has been disqualified from driving and fined after being found asleep at the wheel while over the drink-driving limit in Crowborough.
49-year-old Mark Bailey, of Stephens Road in Tunbridge Wells, was discovered inside his vehicle, with the engine still running, in the car park of the Goldsmith Leisure Centre in Eridge Road on the afternoon of March 30th.
After appearing drowsy and confused, he was asked to provide a roadside breath test and failed.
He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a vehicle whilst over the prescribed limit of alcohol and transported to custody.
Bailey tested positive for 88 microgrammes (mcg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
The following day, Bailey was charged with driving a motor vehicle while above the alcohol limit and was bailed pending his next court appearance.
Appearing at Hastings Magistrates' Court last Wednesday (April 17th), Bailey pleaded guilty to the charge, and was disqualified from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay a fine of ÂŁ1894.
Police Constable Daniel Broad from Sussex Police said:
“Following reports from vigilant members of the public, Bailey was promptly located by officers and prevented from continuing his journey and putting the community in danger.
“Drink-driving is a primary contributor to deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Informing the police could genuinely save someone's life.”