A sleepy drink driver has been given a fine and a ban by a court.
Sussex Police said: “A man has been disqualified from driving and fined after being found asleep at the wheel while over the drink driving limit in Crowborough.
“On Saturday 30 March, just after 4.30pm, it was reported that a man had been seen drink driving in the car park of the Goldsmith Leisure Centre in Eridge Road.
“Following police attendance, Mark Bailey, 49, of Stephens Road in Tunbridge Wells was found asleep at the wheel of his car, with the engine still running.
“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 while over the prescribed limit of alcohol and transported to custody.
“Bailey tested positive for 88 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms 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.
“On Wednesday (17 April) at Hastings Magistrates’ Court, Bailey pleaded guilty to the charge and was disqualified from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay a fine of £1,894.”
PC Daniel Broad 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.”
