A MOTORIST found fast asleep at the wheel of his car at 6am in the middle of a junction with the engine running, was found to be over the drink drive limit and in possession of cannabis.

Alexander Burnett was found asleep at the wheel of his VW Golf early in the morning on June 2 by a farmer attending to his livestock. The 41-year-old was discovered on the B4580 near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and could not be roused by the farmer.

After waking briefly, Burnett fell back asleep so the farmer went to tend to his animals – Burnett was still in the same position when he returned half an hour later so the police were called.

Burnett, of Penylan, Llanrhaeadr, was found to have 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath – exceeding the prescribed limit, which is 35 micrograms. He was also in possession of 12 grams of cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and being under the influence of alcohol while in charge of a motor vehicle when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 12.

Prosecutor Rebecca Ross said witness Roger Atwood discovered the defendant in his vehicle at around 6.30am on June 2, near Belle Vue.

“Mr Atwood saw a male slumped in the seat, with his head forward, he appeared unconscious," Ms Ross said.

“He feared there had been a medical emergency or the driver was trying to kill himself. The car’s lights were on, which he thought was strange as it was the morning, and the engine was running.

“The defendant had his phone in his hand and Mr Atwood shouted ‘are you alright’. The driver opened his eyes then fell asleep."

She added that when police woke him they found a smell of cannabis in the car and Burnett didn’t know where he was – thought he was "at Kate’s house".

Ms Ross said a breath test was positive for alcohol and police found a bag containing six small rolls of cannabis in Burnett's pocket.

Ms Ross said Burnett had some similar offences on his record, including drug possession in 2002, 2003, 2012 and 2015, plus a driving offence from over 10 years ago.

Douglas Scott, representing Burnett, said he had been out with his partner, but had not been drinking.

“There had been a heated argument and she left," he added. "He stupidly left the car where it was. He walked down a lane to where she lived, to reconcile. He had four pints during that time but was then asked to leave, so he walked back up the street and slept in the car. He had the heating on as it was cold. He had no intention to drive.

“He runs a community interest company which repairs laptops, phones and screens. He started it during Covid because people needed those devices to keep in contact with each other.

“He picks up the devices, repairs them, then delivers them back to customers, so he uses his car to visit people in the area. He is a hard-working member of the community who’s providing a service."

For being in charge of the vehicle while under the influence, magistrates fined Burnett £80 with £85 costs and a £34 surcharge, and placed 10 points on his driving licence.

He was also fined £80 for the drugs charge.