A DRIVER found asleep in his van after a Christmas party at a Kidderminster hotel was almost four times over the alcohol limit, a court heard this week.

Nicholas Coles was warned by Kidderm-inster magistrates that he was facing a prison sentence and was bailed until January 31 for a pre-sentence report.

Coles, 42, of Dog Lane, Bewdley, admitted being in charge of his vehicle with a breath alcohol reading of 131, against the limit of 35.

He also admitted driving while he was under a three-year ban and without insurance at Gainsborough House Hotel on December 22.

He also pleaded guilty to a specimen charge of disqualified driving and having no insurance in Dog Lane in November.

Coles had been banned for three years in December 1998, said prosecutor Stephen Harris.

He told police he remembered leaving the hotel after the party and falling asleep in the van.

He then admitted he had driven more than once near his home at Bewdley.