A DRUG driver who caused a collision on a main road after failing to spot a red light was so drowsy that he fell ASLEEP in the back of a police car.
Alan Galli got behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa and drove from Port Glasgow to Greenock after downing methadone and the illicit sedative etizolam.
The 52-year-old went through a stop light on Port Glasgow Road and caused his car to 'bump' into another vehicle.
Prosecutor Kevin Doherty told the sheriff court: "It was immediately apparent that he was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.
"A passing police vehicle was flagged down and Mr Galli made to walk away before being stopped.
"He appeared to be very sleepy and had white powder residue on his lips and tongue.
"He repeatedly fell asleep within the police vehicle and when he was not asleep he was very drowsy."
The court was told that Galli caused the collision at around 11.40am on May 4 last year.
Police were so concerned about his condition that he was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital for an assessment.
Fiscal depute Mr Doherty said: "He was deemed fit to be detained by the police and he co-operated in providing a sample of his blood.
"That sample was positive for etizolam and there was also methadone in his blood.
"Mr Galli was seen by various people who formed the distinct opinion that he was well under the influence."
Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "He has been driving for more than 30 years and has no endorsements on his licence.
"He is on 70mg of methadone per day due to previous difficulties and that is on a reducing programme.
"Mr Galli tells me that he came across tablets in his house that he thought were co-codamol."
Sheriff John Hamilton QC banned Galli, of Barra Way, Port Glasgow, from driving for 18 months and fined him £250.