An Isle of Wight driver found 'slumped' over the wheel of his Toyota Yaris by police, after pulling over and falling asleep, has avoided losing his licence.

Charlie Hendy, of Yarborough Close, Godshill, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 11.

He pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while his alcohol level was above the legal limit.

On September 25, police were patrolling an area of Ryde and while travelling down Carpenters Road, near St Helens, they passed a small side track.

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A vehicle was parked there with its headlights on, Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said.

When officers approached, they saw a sleeping man 'slumped' over the steering wheel and woke him up.

He said he had drunk five beers. Officers carried out a roadside breath test, which came back at 72 microgrammes when the legal limit is 35.

At Newport Police Station, he blew 68 microgrammes.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Hendy had no previous convictions and held a clean driving license. 

He had been at work and had gone out afterwards for a few drinks, Mr Vincent said.

Hendy was on his way home and stopped.

He was planning to get some food at McDonald's and went to use the app but fell asleep at the wheel, court heard.

Hendy works as a groundsman and needs his driving licence to get around, Mr Vincent said.

Magistrates agreed not to revoke his license, instead issuing him ten penalty points.

He was also ordered to pay costs, totalling £533.