Former police officer turned driving instructor, 61, was caught asleep behind the wheel of his Mini when his ex-wife reported him after pub drinking session
- Mitchell Humphrys is a former Detective Superintendant for Kent Police
- He pleaded guilty to drink-driving after officers found him asleep at the wheel
- Humphrys was spotted driving on CCTV and was over the legal limit when tested
By Abbie Llewelyn For Mailonline[1]
Published: 16:01, 18 December 2023 | Updated: 16:34, 18 December 2023
A former top police officer turned driving instructor was caught sleeping behind the wheel of his Mini when his ex-wife reported him after a pub drinking session.
Mitchell Humphrys, a former Detective Superintendent for Kent Police, went drinking after a ‘stressful day’, before driving back in his Mini Cooper to the home he still shared with his ex.
When officers arrived in Sutton Lane, Ringwould, a village near Deal in Kent, on July 31, they saw him slumped in the driver’s seat with his seatbelt still on.
Humphrys, 61, who also served in the Metropolitan Police[2] during a 30-year career in law enforcement, was later charged with drink-driving.
He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Folkestone Magistrates Court.
Mitchell Humphrys, a former Detective Superintendant for Kent Police, pleaded guilty to drink-driving after officers found him to be nearly twice the legal limit to drive
Officers were called to Sutton Lane, Ringwould, a village near Deal in Kent, on July 31, where they found the driving instructor asleep at the wheel, the court heard
District Judge Claire Luxford heard how the driving instructor, who ran Mitch’s School of Motoring, had been found sleeping in the car, and later failed a breathalyser test.
Prosecutor Dylan Bradshaw 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.
‘His seatbelt was still fixed when police arrived and he still had the keys.
‘When he got out of the vehicle, officers thought he was impaired and he was arrested.’
Judge Claire Luxford told Humphrys at Folkestone Magistrate’s Court (pictured) that she had no option but to ban him from driving and disqualified him for 17 months
The former Detective Superintendent was taken down to the police station, where he complied with procedures.
He failed the breathalyser test, giving a reading of 62 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath, when the legal limit is 35.
The court heard how he had a previous conviction for drink-driving 20 years ago.
Mark Trafford, who was defending him, said Humphrys denied snoring or being asleep when he was found at the wheel.
The lawyer said: ‘On the day in question after his daughter gave birth, the baby had some serious health issues, but later they were given the all-clear.
‘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 20 years in public service.
‘He’s learnt his lesson and it was not the case he was snoring or asleep.
‘He has a pension of about GBP2,000 a month.’
Sentencing, Judge Luxford told Humphrys she had no option but to ban him from driving and disqualified him for 17 months.
He was also fined GBP461 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of GBP184, plus GBP85 in costs.
If he completes a drink-driving course, the length of his ban will be reduced by a quarter.
References
- ^ Abbie Llewelyn For Mailonline (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Metropolitan Police (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Met Police (www.dailymail.co.uk)