Doctor caught drink-driving while sleepwalking

A doctor has appeared in court charged with drink-driving – while he was sleepwalking. GP Donald Stuart Clegg was arrested at the wheel of his car in his dressing gown by police, Bury magistrates' court heard. The 59-year-old had 'significant' levels of alcohol in his blood when he was pulled over on Bury New Road, in Prestwich it was alleged.

The court was told Mr Clegg's wife called the police when she realised he had left their family home in nearby Hilton Lane last December. Gwyn Lewis, defending, said: “Mr Clegg was suffering from a state of auto-autonomy. He was sleepwalking. The reason why police were called in the first place was that his wife realised that he had been sleepwalking.



“He has done this before and she was concerned so she called the police when he got into the vehicle. He has now asked his wife to look after his car keys so it is impossible for him to drive his vehicle in this state.” Mr Clegg, did not enter a plea at the hearing. Bury magistrates ordered he see a neuro-pyschologist and attend a sleep clinic.

The case was adjourned until May 20 for further scientific studies and Mr Clegg was remanded on unconditional bail. Mr Lewis added: "This is a very unusual case which has got us all scratching our heads. It is a very unique situation. Everyone has accepted that Mr Clegg was sleepwalking but it's whether that is a special reason or not.”