Alan Carr’s estranged husband, Paul Drayton, has spoken out for the first time after walking free from jail, following a drink-driving incident.
The 50-year-old was initially sentenced to 14 weeks in jail for driving four times over the legal limit, and backing into a police car.
He spent two ‘harrowing’ nights in custody before being freed following a successful appeal against the ruling, and has now shared his appreciation for the support of fans during the ‘challenging time’.
Taking to his Instagram story, Drayton penned: ‘Thank you for all the love, and kindness you have shown me over the last few weeks.
‘As you can imagine, this has been an exceptionally challenging time, but I am so grateful for the support and care I’ve received.
‘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.’
‘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,’ he continued.
‘Thank you all again. The next chapter is going to be the brightest. Keep smiling lovelies.’
Drayton had been seen swerving from side to side as police pursued him near his home in West Sussex, in October last year.
The court had heard how worried members of the public had called police when they saw him driving in Broadbridge Heath, shortly before 3pm.
He ‘reversed into’ a police vehicle before being boxed in by other police cars to prevent him making a getaway, the court was told.
Drayton appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to a single count of driving a motor vehicle with his alcohol level above the limit at an earlier hearing.
The star, who cares for rescue horses, was first sentenced to more than three months behind bars but was later freed after spending two nights in custody.
His barrister, John Dye, had pleaded for his release, stating: ‘This is a very serious drink-driving offence.
‘It crosses the custody threshold. I think to say anything other than that would be absurd.”
He emphasised Drayton’s previous good character, mental health struggles and problems with alcohol, adding: ‘The two nights in custody have been extremely difficult for someone who has poor mental health.’
After a brief retirement, Judge Shani Barnes returned to the court and agreed to the appeal.
‘Yes, of course it is right that we give you an opportunity to make amends and turn your life around,’ she added, explaining that he would receive a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.
Drayton’s statement comes days after it was confirmed that he had split from comedian Carr.
The couple tied the knot in 2018, in a ceremony ordained by Adele, and were together for 13 years.
However, they announced their split in a joint statement, released via PA.
‘After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating,’ it read.
‘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.’
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