Drink driver told to wake up after he falls asleep in court

Simon Edge was sitting down in the dock of Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday when his head slumped forward and he appeared to have dozed off.

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The 42-year-old of Drake Avenue, Dines Green, Worcester admitted driving with excess alcohol and driving the Vauxhall Corsa otherwise than in accordance with a licence during the incident on November 28 last year. 

GUILTY: Simon Edge leaves Worcester Magistrates Court after his drink driving conviction (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

But it was his antics in the dock which drew attention from the chairman of the bench, Kevin Lloyd-Wright, who raised his voice slightly and had to speak more than once, calling out 'Mr Edge!' in order to rouse the defendant from his slumbers.

"I was just thinking sir," said Edge, raising his head.

Mr Lloyd-Wright replied: "Our concern is that you are awake and actually listening to what is being said regarding your case."

Edge said: "I'm not trying to be disrespectful - I'm really not. I have been using drugs and drinking."

However, he said he had been cutting the amount he was taking before adding: "I have not made it 100 per cent yet."

"If you could just please keep awake, keep alert to what is going on in court," said the magistrate.

Sumreen Afsar, prosecuting, said the reading in breath was 54mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, above the legal limit of 35mcg.

Mrs Afsar said Edge had previous convictions 'but of a dissimilar nature' including theft and public order offences.

Mark Turnbull, defending, said Edge was recognised by an officer who stopped him because he did not believe he had a licence.

"He's a familiar face," said Mr Turnbull. 

Edge was pulled over on Howard Road in Dines Green, not far from his home address in Drake Avenue, the city solicitor told the court.

Mr Turnbull said the car belonged to Edge's friend, Laura, who had asked him to 'do an errand, driving a short distance to a nearby shop to make a purchase for her'. Mr Turnbull said, having spoken to Edge, he was not able to ascertain his income but understood he received incapacity benefit.

"I can't be entirely clear with you about his financial situation," said Mr Turnbull. 

Magistrates banned Edge from driving for 15 months and fined him £120 for driving with excess alcohol. For driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence he was fined a further £40.

Edge was further ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £64 and prosecution costs of £135 which will be consolidated with his existing court debts and deducted from his benefits.