Dad spared driving ban

A dad who fell asleep at the wheel of his parked car in Clowne has been spared a driving ban that would have thrown him on the dole.

Police received a call about the driver at 4am on 21st July and found Lucas Green in his Audi TT in Rotherham Road, Clowne.

Becky Mahon, prosecuting, told Chesterfield magistrates the engine was running and officers woke him up.

He failed a roadside breath test and was arrested and went on to give a reading of 56mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath, the limit being 35mcgs.

Green, 26, of Devonshire Close, Staveley, admitted being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink and was fined £229, with £85 costs.

The bench waived a discretionary ban for this offence and instead imposed ten penalty points on his licence.

“He cannot prove he was unlikely to drive but the car was parked off the road and the driver’s seat was reclined,” said Bob Sowter, for Green, who had no previous convictions.

“He has shown remorse for the offence. He served in the army for six years, including a tour of Iraq.”

“He is now a council sub-contractor, driving large vehicles which you see cleaning drains on the street.”

Mr Sowter added: “If he is not disqualified he is allowed to keep his job.”