Drunk driver drove himself to hospital

Manoor Singh, 41, of Barrow Rise, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court.

Hospital staff noticed Singh making a “bit of a meal” out of parking when he pulled into the Eastbourne District General Hospital during the early hours of July 25, the court heard from the prosecution.

He was then seen to stagger into the accident and emergency department and police were notified.

An alcohol blood test gave a result of 239 microgrammes. The legal limit is 80.

The court heard that Singh was given a two year driving ban for a previous drink driving offence in June 2006 and also had a conviction for failing to report an accident.

Ronan Crummy, defending, said: “He had been drinking when he began to suffer from heart and chest pains and felt he needed to get to hospital.

“He did try to take other steps to get there but they were unsuccessful.

“He does have and alcohol problem and drinks daily.”

Sentencing was adjourned to allow probation reports to be drawn up but magistrates ruled out a custodial sentence.

Chairman of the bench Gordon Waters told Singh: “You were almost three times over the limit and on the very edge of going to prison.”