A MAN found slumped drunkenly at the wheel of his car has been given a driving ban.

Police were called after passersby raised concerns that Mark Harvey was asleep in the driver seat of a Ford Fiesta in a car park in Iceni Way, Colchester.

When they arrived, officers found the keys in the ignition.

After opening the door and removing them, they were able to rouse Harvey, who told them he was not going to drive.

As they smelt alcohol, Harvey was arrested and tested.

He had 150mlgs of alcohol in 100mls of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Harvey, of Avitus Way, Colchester, admitted being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard the 47-year-old had been boozing at the pub on the day in September and had been involved in a row with his partner.

He said he was never going to drive and just wanted to sleep.

Magistrates banned him from the roads for six months. He was also fined £238 and ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge and £105 costs.