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.”
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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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