A dozy driving instructor found snoring at the wheel after a drinking session was reported to the police by his ex-wife.

Mitchell Humphrys, a former Detective Superintendent for Kent Police, went boozing at a pub after a “stressful day” before pulling up in his Mini Cooper at home near Deal.

When officers arrived in Sutton Lane, Ringwould, they saw him slumped in the driver’s seat with his seatbelt on.

Humphrys, who also served as a Met Police officer during a 30-year career, was later charged with drink-driving and pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrates in Folkestone.

District Judge Claire Luxford heard how the 61-year-old, who ran Mitch’s School of Motoring, had been discovered snoozing in his car on July 31.

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.

“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.”

Humphrys was taken to the police station and complied with procedures, giving a reading of 62 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The court heard he had a previous conviction for drink-driving from 20 years ago.

Defending Humphrys, Mark Trafford said his client denied snoring or being asleep when he was found at the wheel.

Mr Trafford added: “On the day [in question] after his daughter gave birth the baby had 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 30 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 £2,000 a month.”

Sentencing Humphrys on Wednesday, Judge Luxford told him she had no option but to ban him from driving and disqualified him for 17 months.

He was also fined £461 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £184 as well as £85 costs. If he completes a drink-driving course, his ban will be reduced by a quarter.

Mr Humphrys declined to comment further when approached by KentOnline after the hearing.