Drive ban for actor Kris Marshall

My Family star Kris Marshall was today banned from driving (Getty Images)

My Family star Kris Marshall was today banned from driving after being found by police asleep behind the wheel of his car in a supermarket car park.

The 38-year-old actor, who has also starred in TV adverts for BT, was disqualified for six months by magistrates in Yeovil.

The actor, of Long Barton, near Wells, Somerset, pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to supply a specimen of breath while being the person in charge of a motor vehicle.

South Somerset Magistrates' Court heard that police found Marshall shortly after midnight on October 1 in a Tesco car park in Wells after being alerted by the public.

The actor was discovered with the seat reclined, key in the ignition and the radio on, asleep behind the wheel of his green Jaguar.

The two police officers who woke him up could smell alcohol and Marshall admitted he had been drinking, magistrates were told.

Prosecutor Tim Rutherford said: "His speech was slurred and his eyes were glazed."

Marshall gave a positive breath test and was immediately arrested and taken to Yeovil police station. Inside the police station the actor failed to supply a second breath test despite making five attempts on the intoxilyzer machine - blaming asthma.

The court heard the actor already has three points on his licence for a speeding offence committed last year and is in the process of receiving another three points after being caught recently using a mobile phone while driving.

Magistrates imposed a 10 point penalty - meaning he was automatically banned from driving for six months under the totting up rules having passed the 12 point barrier. He was also fined £700, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

PA