A man has been convicted after being found asleep at the wheel with an open bottle of wine.

Paul Cronje-Jarvis, aged 60, of Greenacres Park, Meysey Hampton, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday, September 14 where he was banned from the roads. 

He pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to provide a specimen for analysis, after previously pleading not guilty.

The court heard that a member of the public saw a white van swerving and colliding with roadworks on Sunday, April 14.

Police later discovered the vehicle parked in a car park in Highworth with Cronje-Jarvis asleep in the driver’s seat.

The keys were in the ignition and there was a strong smell of alcohol in the vehicle, explained prosecutor Keith Ballinger.

He failed to provide a specimen of breath at the scene and later at the police station.

“He attempted to blow, albeit it for whatever reason hasn’t blown hard enough,” said Mr Ballinger.

“It’s not like he has sat there and refused.”

The defence said: “It’s clear there are a lot of issues here.

“He doesn’t wish to change his plea.

“He is in receipt of PIP (Personal Independence Payment.”

Sentencing, the judge said: “You had a high level of impairment.

“Your risk was very, very high, and because you have a previous conviction, you will be banned.”

Cronje-Jarvis was banned from driving for three years and must also complete 20 days of rehab, take part in alcohol treatment for six months and pay a £114 victim surcharge.

An interim driving ban has been in place since August 30.

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