Sleeping drunk driver had foot on accelerator

Manjit Singh Dabb had been out drinking when he collapsed into a drunken state in the driver's seat of his parked BMW.

Wolverhampton Magistrates Court was told that the car's engine was revving so loudly it alerted the attentions of a passing police officer.

Mr Mark Cooper, prosecuting, told the court: "When the officer approached the vehicle he saw the defendant slumped over the steering wheel as if unconscious.

"The car was in neutral, but his foot was planted down on the accelerator.

"The officer turned the engine off and attempted to revive the defendant but it quickly became apparent he was intoxicated."

The court heard Dabb had to be helped out of the car and was unable to stand up without support.

"His eyes were glazed and he was babbling incoherently," continued Mr Cooper.

"He kept on bending down to pick up cigarette butts off the floor and repeatedly told the officer he was waiting to see a man."

Dabb was found slumped behind the wheel in Francis Street, Whitmore Reans, on February 21.

The court was told that the 40-year-old was not deemed sober enough to be interviewed until 12 hours after his arrest.

A breath test revealed he was almost three times over the drink driving limit with a measurement of 102 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Miss Kavita Kaur, mitigating, told the court Dabb had a long history of alcohol related offences, having previously committed five of a similar nature.

"He clearly has issues connected to alcohol misuse," she said.

"But he is now seeking help and regularly attends Aquarius in an effort to address his problems.

"He wants to take steps in order to prevent any further offending."

Dabb, of Aspen Way, Merridale, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst above the legal alcohol limit.

He was bailed to appear before the same court on May 22 for sentencing.