'He took a while to wake up': Police catch Bentilee van driver drunk at the wheel of car

VAN driver Simon Cassidy has kept his licence after being found slumped behind the wheel when more than three times over the drink-drive limit.

The 34-year-old was found by police in the driver's seat of a Ford Focus in Lawn Farm Crescent, Bentilee, at 11.10pm on February 12.

North Staffordshire magistrates heard officers were called to a report of a suspicious vehicle as the lights were illuminated and the engine was running.

Prosecutor Clair Moss said: "The man in the driver's seat was fast asleep. He took a while to wake up."

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Cassidy gave a reading of 115 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – more than three times the legal limit of 35. The defendant told officers he had argued with his girlfriend who kicked him out and he had nowhere to go.

He said after the argument he got in his car and drove a short distance before going to the pub.

Cassidy said when he returned he started the engine to get warm but fell asleep. He denied driving at any time when under the influence of alcohol. He said he had no intention of driving.

The defendant, of Brattice Place, Bentilee, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle on February 12 when his alcohol level was above the limit.

David Ellis, mitigating, said Cassidy did not think it was appropriate to return to the house and decided to sleep in the vehicle.

He said the defendant was fully co-operative with police and as a result of the incident lost his job as a van driver.

Mr Ellis added: "He told his employer about the proceedings and was promptly sacked. If he is able to keep his driving licence he may well be re-employed."

Magistrates did not take Cassidy's licence away from him. Instead they gave him 10 points and fined him £110 with £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.