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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Alan Carr's estranged husband breaks silence after swerving jail over drink-drive crash

Alan Carr's estranged husband Paul Drayton has broken his silence after escaping jail following his drink-drive smash.

The 50-year-old walked freely away from court on Friday after winning his appeal against a 14-week prison sentence for drink-driving.

Paul, who recently split up from funnyman Alan, had spent two "harrowing" nights in custody before he made a court appearance last week.

On Monday, he confirmed he is not going to prison, but he takes "full accountability" for his actions, telling fans he will go back into rehab.

He wrote: "As you can imagine, this has been an exceptionally challenging time, but I am so grateful for the support and care I've received.

Paul Drayton arriving at Brighton and Hove Magistrates Court on Friday (PA)
He was with Alan Carr for 13 years (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

"I take full accountability for my actions, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to truly get better and to start my new chapter with strength and determination.

"Thank you for all of the support, love and kindness you have shown me over the last few weeks."

He added: "I am now going back to my rehabilitation centre to keep my journey and progress moving forward and will be stepping away from social media during this time.

"Thank you all again. The next chapter is going to be the brightest. Keep smiling lovelies."

It came after he recently announced his split from comedian Carr, his partner of 13 years, and also underwent brain surgery just over two weeks ago.

The couple recently split (PA)

Paul had been handed a 14-week jail term on Wednesday after pleading guilty to a single count of "driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit".

On October 9 2021, Sussex Police saw Paul swerving his car from side to side while driving at around 3pm on October 9 in Broadbridge Heath, Horsham - three miles from the home he shared with comic Alan. When he was pulled over he was so drunk he reversed into the police car, narrowly missing a mum and baby.

He wore a blue suit to Brighton Crown Court on Friday as his barrister sought to have him released from custody.

John Dye, representing Drayton, told the court: “This is a very serious drink-driving offence.

“It crosses the custody threshold. I think to say anything other than that would be absurd.”

Judge Shani Barnes responded: “I am sure they have been harrowing.”

They are estranged (Getty Images)

After briefly retiring to discuss the case with her magistrate colleague, she returned to the courtroom and told Drayton that had led an “exemplary life”.

Addressing the question of whether the sentence could be suspended, she said the answer was “quite clearly… yes”.

“Yes, of course it is right that we give you an opportunity to make amends and turn your life around.”

She told him he would receive a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

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