An intoxicated man who was found unconscious behind the wheel of a car has been disqualified from driving for three years.

Paramedics alerted police after finding Harry Wardens, of Cromwell Road, Caterham, in the car in High Street, Selsey, at 12.10pm on Sunday, March 12.

Police had already received a report about Wardens drink-driving 30 minutes earlier.

The 36-year-old refused to cooperate with a breath test and drugs wipe and was arrested but was deemed so intoxicated he was taken to hospital.

While in hospital, Wardens refused to give a blood sample for a second time and was abusive to medical staff, police officers and members of the public who were seeking treatment in the busy A&E department.

He was taken from hospital to the police station where he was charged with two counts of failing to provide a sample, failing to provide a specimen and using threatening and abusive words which are likely to cause alarm or distress.

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After being remanded in custody Wardens was taken to Brighton Magistrates Court the following day, March 13, where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

He was disqualified from driving for 36 months and fined £85.

PC Tom Van Der Wee said: “I’d like to thank the members of the public and colleagues from Secamb who reported this incident to us.

"I would encourage anyone who suspects someone is in charge of a vehicle, driving or about to drive whilst under the influence of drink and/or drugs to call us on 999.”

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Sussex Police’s work to stop drink and drug drivers continues all year round, and officers will continue to be on patrol to stop selfish motorists who put the safety of themselves and other road users at risk.”

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include:

  • Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else
  • A minimum 12-month ban
  • An unlimited fine
  • A possible prison sentence
  • A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment
  • An increase in your car insurance costs
  • Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA