A man has been convicted after being found asleep behind the wheel with an open bottle of wine 

Paul Cronje-Jarvis, aged 60, of Greenacres Park, Meysey Hampton, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 14 where he was banned from the roads. 

He pleaded guilty to a single charge of failing to provide a specimen for analysis, after previously pleading not guilty. 

Prosecutor Mr Ballinger said a white van was seen by a member of the public on Sunday, April 14 swerving and colliding with roadworks.

The vehicle was later discovered by police parked in a car park in Highworth near Swindon with Cronje-Jarvis asleep in the driver’s seat.

The keys were in the ignition and there was a strong smell of alcohol in the vehicle, Mr Ballinger said. 

After being arrested and taken to the police station, he failed to provide a specimen of breath via a breathalyser.

“He attempted to blow, albeit it for whatever reason hasn’t blown hard enough,” Mr Ballinger said. 

“It’s not like he has sat there and refused.” 

The defence said: “It’s clear there are a lot of issues here. He doesn’t wish to change his plea. The rehab in Weston-Super-Mare refused him. 

Adding: “He is in receipt of PIP (Personal Independence Payment).”

Sentencing, the judge said: “You had a high level of impairment.

“Your risk was very, very high, and because you have a previous conviction, you will be banned.”

Cronje-Jarvis was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehab, take part in alcohol treatment for six months and pay a £114 victim surcharge.

He was banned for three years.

Cronje-Jarvis had been subject to an interim driving ban since August 30.

He was not offered a driving course as he had already done one recently.

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