A MAN who fell asleep in his car after a 12-pint session claimed he had no intention of driving.

Blackburn magistrates heard an off-duty community support officer came across Gavin Duckworth in his car on a car park at about 9.25pm.

His attention was drawn because the engine was revving loudly and he found Duckworth slumped over the wheel with his foot jammed on the accelerator.

At first he thought the driver may have had a heart attack but eventually managed to rouse him.

The officer was then assaulted after telling the motorist he was being detained until the police arrived.

Duckworth, 39, of Blackburn Old Road, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit and assaulting Dax Bryne-Turner.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days’ rehabilitation and 50 hours’ unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £50 compensation to Mr Bryne-Turner, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge and his licence was endorsed with 10 penalty points.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Mr Bryne-Turner was walking across a car park to the rear of Blackburn railway station when he heard a car engine revving constantly as if the accelerator had been floored.

He investigated and found Duckworth slumped over the wheel. He didn’t respond when the officer knocked on the window.

“He eventually managed to get into the car and switched off the engine but couldn’t get any sense out of the driver,” said Miss Akhtar.

“The defendant tried to restart the car before walking off with the keys still in his hand.”

The officer identified himself and told Duckworth he was being detained.

“He threw a punch at the officer who had to take him to the floor and detain him until the police arrived.”

Richard Prew, defending, said Duckworth had been working as a HGV driver that day and went for a few drinks after work.

“It was always his intention to leave the car on the car park,” said Mr Prew.

“He thinks he went back to check on it and must have fallen asleep after getting in and starting the engine to get warm.

“He says if he had been left to his own devices he would have woken up and called for a taxi.”