Drink driver fined after feigning sleep

Mark Hewett’s van was being followed by police in Fairlight Road, Hastings, when he turned off into Beacon Road, just before 1.10am on June 24.

When the patrol car turned into Beacon Road, officers saw the white van parked with its lights off.

Officers went to speak to Hewett, who was sitting in the driver’s seat.

The 40-year-old pretended to be asleep and denied having driven the vehicle, despite the fact the engine was warm. He then failed a breath test.

Hewett, of Farley Way, appeared in court and pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was banned from the roads for 18 months and was fined £400 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.