Slimani did not inform police when asked if he had consumed other drugs or medicines, and said this was “because when I got arrested, and they were taking me to the police station, my mind was literally going at 600,000 mph”.
He later said his fears “sadly have all come true” and these were of “the press, the loss of my reputation, the loss of work – everything has happened, it has been a catastrophe”.
Slimani was ordered to pay a £600 fine, £240 surcharge and £620 in costs by District Judge Mark Jabbitt.
He was offered a drink drivers’ rehabilitation scheme that if completed will reduce his qualification by a quarter.
The judge said: “It is inevitable that I will find the case proven.”
He added that he is “generally sympathetic” to Slimani’s bereavements but not to excessive drinking or taking medication without checking the effect it has on driving.