Woman 'sleep-drives for 200 miles'

A motorist claims that she drove for 200 miles and sent text messages while asleep.

The woman in New Zealand was discovered 190 miles from home at her old house and insists she has no memory of her journey.

The lady's friend alerted police in the middle of the night saying it was possible her pal had hit the road after taking sleeping medication, and officers managed to track her using her mobile phone, which had been used during the jaunt.

Officers are now hoping the woman - who was also involved in a sleep-driving incident 10 months ago - will be stopped from driving as they fear she will cause a serious accident.

Senior sergeant Dave Litton is quoted by the New Zealand Herald newspaper as saying: "We have sought an urgent order forbidding her to drive and to seek medical advice on her suitability to remain holding her driver's licence.

"While her being found safe and well is a relief for everyone involved, the potential for tragedy was huge.

"We're urging people suffering medical conditions to be open and honest."