Driver 'had car engine running to keep warm'

HE WAS FOUND ASLEEP IN THE PASSENGER SEAT 'IN MIDDLE OF ROAD' AFTER HAVING A FEW DRINKS

- By TOM MACK [e-mail] @TOMmack

A MAN who was found slumped in a car on a city road by police told officers he only had the engine running so he could keep warm.

Manpreet Singh, who had been drinking, told police it was never his intention to drive it.

The 27-year-old's Renault Clio was discovered by officers in Helmsley Road, on the Saffron Lane estate, Leicester, on Sunday, August 31.

Police said the vehicle was stopped in the middle of the road.

Singh was found in the passenger seat and, after officers woke him up, they asked why the vehicle was stopped where it was.

He replied: "I drove it here".

He told police he did not intend to drive the vehicle and had just turned on the engine to allow the heaters to work.