Paul Read, 45, admitted driving his Kia Ceed car on the A149 on Ormesby Road while unfit to drive through drugs on August 24, 2025.

Appearing at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle while unfit through drugs.

Paul Read was driving on the A149 on Ormesby Road. (Image: Google Street View)

Jacqueline Hanlon, prosecuting, said: "A member of the public had seen the defendant's vehicle driving in an erratic way, swerving in and out of traffic and driving over the kerb and central reservation line into oncoming traffic.

"He pulled into a lay-by and found the defendant in a semi-unconscious state. An ambulance was called.

"He had taken the tablets after an overdose and was admitted to hospital. Blood samples were taken and in his system paracetamol and mirtazapine were at concentrations far higher than for traditional medicines."

Paul Read had a high concentration of paracetamol and mirtazapine in his blood. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

The court heard how Read, of Coronation Road in Great Yarmouth, was in a state of "extreme mental distress" after pulling over.

Afterwards, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital.

Tests showed the concentration of drugs in his system greatly exceeded that which would be expected from medicinal drugs.

Anne Baker, defending said: "The gentleman was overwhelmed. He had lost his brother and separated from his partner. He had lost custody of his three children.

"He decided he had nothing to live for. He has gone into counselling.

"He is a permanent carer for his mother who is severely disabled and is her full-time carer."

Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court. (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council)

Read has been banned from driving for 18 months and cannot drive a motorised vehicle on any road over the course of his disqualification.

He has been fined £200 by the magistrates.

He must also pay a victim surcharge of £80 and prosecution costs of £85.

© Eastern Daily Press