Sozzled Kent Driving Instructor Found Slumped Behind the Wheel

A sozzled Kent driving instructor was found slumped behind the wheel at the end of a stressful day.

Mitchell Humphrys, 61, of Sutton Lane, Ringwould, Deal, previously admitted driving a motor vehicle when the amount of alcohol in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.

This is an offence contrary to section 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or a fine at level 5 (unlimited) on summary conviction.

Humphrys appeared for sentencing at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 13th December 2023.

The court heard that the ex-Detective Superintendent, who had served 30-years in both the Metropolitan and Kent Police, was found slumped behind the wheel of his car on Monday, 31st July 2023.

Dylan Bradshaw, prosecuting, said: "He was living at an address in Deal with his ex-wife. It's the same property, but they are living separately.

"She heard the Mini arrive home and then saw her ex-husband snoring and asleep at the wheel. CCTV was checked and he was seen driving there."

Clearly unimpressed at the state of Humphrys, his ex-wife called the police.

Officers attended the property and found the 61-year-old proprietor of "Mitch's School of Motoring" slumped asleep in the driving seat, his seat belt still fastened and car keys in his possession.

Humphrys was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink. He later provided an evidential specimen of breath containing 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the prescribed limit being 35 microgrammes.

District Judge Claire Luxford, sentencing, heard that Humphrys had a previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol from 20 years' ago.

Mark Trafford, mitigating, explained that Humphrys' daughter had recently given birth and there were concerns about the health of the baby.

Mr Trafford continued: "As he drove home he decided to go for a drink for the stress but drank more than he appreciated.

"He's a driving instructor, but will not be after today. He also did 30 years in public service.

"He's learnt his lesson and it was not the case he was snoring or asleep."

Following the relevant sentencing guideline, DJ Luxford dealt with the matter by way of a financial penalty.

Humphrys was fined £461 and ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and £184 surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for a period of 17 months, which will be reduced by 17 weeks if he successfully completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.