A motorist stopped by police who suspected he had been drinking was so tired he fell asleep leaning against the police car, a court heard.

Paul Vincent, 32, of The Quadrant, Worthing, was followed by officers after his car was in a minor collision with another vehicle on Brighton seafront at about 2.30am one night in April. He refused to give a specimen for a breath test and was arrested.

He admitted failing to provide a specimen when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court. He was ordered to carry out a 120-hour community punishment order and was disqualified from driving for two years.

Lisa Ramsarran, prosecuting, said: "He was having difficulty standing up and staying awake. As he was being given his rights he fell asleep leaning against the car."

Duncan Cooke, defending, said Vincent was tired after getting up early to go to work. He said Vincent's work as a carpenter would be affected if he lost his licence and he would have to employ a driver.