A DRINK driver found slumped at his wheel with a bottle of vodka has been banned from driving.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard today (Tuesday, November 25) that police officers found Lakbir Singh asleep in his car at the entrance to a barn near Hurworth, Darlington, in March last year.

They tried to rouse him by knocking on the car window but eventually had to open the car door because he was so unresponsive.

A bottle of vodka was found under his leg and he failed a breath test, with the lowest reading of 82mg of alcohol in his breath – more than double legal limit of 35mg.

Singh, 36, of Wylam Avenue, Darlington, denied drink driving but was found guilty after a trial.

He was also found to be driving without insurance.

Representing himself in court, Singh said he was remorseful and had been going through a stressful period at the time of the offence.

After hearing that this was the third time he had been caught drink driving, with the last offence being in 2011, magistrates banned him from driving for three years.

He was also ordered to pay £980 in court costs, fines and charges.