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Alan Carr’s estranged husband Paul Drayton freed after winning appeal

Paul Drayton was jailed for drink-driving but has now been freed. (Getty)
Paul Drayton was jailed for drink-driving but has now been freed. (Getty)

Alan Carr’s estranged husband Paul Drayton has been freed from jail after winning an appeal over his 14-week drink-driving sentence.

The 50-year-old - who recently announced his split from comedian Carr - was jailed earlier this week after drunkenly reversing into a police car with an alcohol test reading “off the scale” last October.

Drayton, who has battled alcoholism, has now walked free after two “harrowing” nights in custody.

Drayton 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”.

He was also banned from driving for three years.

But on Friday a judge told him that he should be given the opportunity to turn his life around and that his sentence would be suspended.

Read more: Alan Carr says he quit Twitter because of the cancel culture

Grab from PA video of Alan Carr's husband Paul Drayton (right) leaving Brighton Crown Court after winning his appeal against a prison sentence for drink-driving. He had been jailed on Wednesday for 14 weeks after pleading guilty to drunkenly reversing into a police car with an alcohol test reading
Paul Drayton has won his appeal. (PA)

Drayton, who cares for rescue horses, broke down in tears in the dock as he was told his liberty was being restored.

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.”

But he emphasised Drayton’s previous good character, mental health struggles and problems with alcohol.

“The two nights in custody have been extremely difficult for someone who has poor mental health,” he added.

Alan Carr and Paul Drayton on the red carpet at the National Television Awards 2015 held at the O2 Arena, London.

This year the NTA's are celebrating their 20th year.
Alan Carr and Paul Drayton in 2015. (PA)

Read more: Alan Carr gave up alcohol for six months

At the mention of his nights in prison, Drayton broke down in silent tears.

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

The judge told Drayton he would receive a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

Carr and Drayton announced their separation on 21 January, saying in a joint statement: "After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating.

"They have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go their separate ways. We request that their privacy is respected at this sensitive time."

Watch: Alan Carr's estranged husband Paul Drayton has been jailed