Police catch up with Derbyshire drunk driver fast asleep on her bed

A member of the public saw Helen Hart, 42, “fall to the ground” after pulling up at her home – she was later found in her bedroom when police arrived.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how officers were called by another driver who followed Hart after seeing her “on the wrong side of the carriageway” hitting a kerb.

After being taken into custody Hart was found to be three times over the legal drink drive limit.

Hart’s solicitor Julie Page described how Hart had been drinking that morning “because she had a family funeral to attend”.

Ms Page said her client had “did not once” try to claim she had drunk more alcohol after she had arrived back at her home.

She said: “She realises she should not have been on the road driving and had already turned around to drive back when she was seen by a member of the public.

“She realises she’s fortunate not to be coming before you for anything more serious - it was a grave error of judgement on this lady’s part.”

Ms Page added that Hart had no previous convictions and a full driving licence.

Hart, of Hodder Close, Crich, admitted driving above the alcohol limit.

Magistrates gave her a 25-month driving ban, fined her £845 and ordered her to pay court costs of £85 and an £85 victim surcharge.

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