A MAN is facing a court appearance after police found him sleeping at the wheel after crashing his car into a roundabout near Darlington.

The man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and is due to appear at court later this month.

Officers found him asleep at the wheel of his Ford Focus after he crashed into a roundabout in Heighington in the early hours of Wednesday.

Read more: Safe to drive? How many units are in a drink

He was also charged with driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Another suspected drink driver woke up in Durham Police's cells today after being detained in the early hours on the A66. 

Police are warning motorists about the dangers of drink driving in the run up to Christmas.

Officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) will once again be taking part in the national campaign to target these drivers.

Last year officers arrested 103 drivers in the Durham force area alone who decided to drive while under the influence. 

Roads Policing Inspector, Kevin Salter, said: “Many of us will be out for meals, drinks and nights out with work colleagues, friends and family this festive period which we hope everyone enjoys.

“What we don’t want is to be knocking on doors telling people that their loved ones have been killed or seriously injured in a collision or taking mam or dad away when they fail a breathalyser test on the school run the next morning.

“The man who crashed his car into a roundabout on Wednesday and the man detained on the A66 in the early hours of this morning are the lucky ones – many make that decision to get behind the wheel and never see their loved ones again or even end up spending years behind bars when they’ve killed or seriously injured other road users whilst under the influence.

“Please don’t let this be you.”

Throughout December, officers will increase random vehicle stops and intelligence-led enforcements to remove drivers under the influence from our roads.

Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Insp Salter added: “This festive season is a timely reminder for us all to look out for each other – make those alternative plans so your whole party gets home safely and spare officers having to knock on your door.”

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