Sunderland drinker who fell asleep in his car avoids driving ban

Jonathan Bray, 26, of Ashbrooke Range, Ashbrooke, returned to his Mercedes to charge his mobile and to snooze off the booze, a court heard.

But police were tipped off that Bray was having either a medical episode or was drunk at around 4am on September 27.

They found him parked, with the engine running and fumes pouring from the exhaust, in Seaham Road, Houghton-le-Spring.

A breath test showed 103mcg of alcohol against a legal limit of 35mcg, prosecutor Glenda Beck said.

However, Bray was not seen driving and insisted he had not intended to before sobering up, meaning he faced either a six-month ban or 10 penalty points.

Magistrates in South Tyneside imposed the penalty points after Bray, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

Mrs Beck said: “Police arrived at 3.59am and found a car stationary but with the engine running and fumes coming out of the exhaust pipes.

“The vehicle was registered to Mr Bray, and he was the only person in the vehicle.

“He appeared to be asleep but was parked in a carriageway that had a live speed limit. The vehicle was unlocked and they could smell alcohol.

“The engine was turned off and a roadside breath test was carried out, the reading being positive. He was arrested.”

Paul McAlindon, defending, said: “He went back to his car to charge his phone and decided to sleep in his car. He realises that he could have made other arrangements.

“He thought that the best thing was to sleep in the car and see how he felt when he woke up.

“He has been very honest and said that he had had a lot to drink but can’t honestly say when he would have driven.

“He’s come to court and pleaded at the first opportunity. He’s in full time employment.”

Magistrates also fined Bray £788 and added a £315 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Irene Lavender, chair of the bench, warned him the 10 penalty points would be on his driving licence for three years.