A BUS driver has been jailed after going on a drunken joyride in his single-decker after a bust-up with his wife.

Paul Devenney, 51, abandoned his route and drove the No 54 to a supermarket to stock up on booze.

He was arrested after he was found slumped in the bus with two crates of beer and empty bottles on the floor.

Devenney, who had no passengers on board at the time, was found to be nearly three times the drink-drive limit.

A court was told he had diverted from his route and went to Asda in Longsight before embarking on the unplanned booze cruise.

He even stopped off at a pub to order a pint during the 'bizarre' journey, but got back on board and drove off after he was turned away from the bar.

He was jailed for four months at Manchester magistrates' court after he pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.

Eileen Rogers, prosecuting, said he was driving the bus around the city centre.

She said: "A witness saw the bus stopped outside the Garrett pub. The driver seemed to be slumped against the window. It became apparent immediately that the driver was drunk. His speech was slurred and he smelled strongly of alcohol.

"He got off the bus and went into the pub, but was refused. He then got back on board and was seen driving off."

Devenney, of Glendore, Salford, was seen driving the bus, owned by Gorton-based Haytons, on CCTV cameras between 6pm and 7pm on December 5 last year. Police later found him slumped in the footwell of the vehicle with the engine running and the emergency door partly open.

Tests showed he had 101 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. He said the reason for his 'bizarre behaviour' was a row with his wife.

The court was told he had already served 90 days in prison and had been banned from driving for four years by magistrates in Carlisle after he was caught drink-driving in the town on December 14. He also had a previous conviction for drink-driving and a conviction for being drunk in charge of a vehicle, both in 2003.

It is understood Devenney was operating the No 54 bus, which runs from Hulme to Longsight.

Adam Bradshaw, of Haytons Executive Travel, said the firm 'fully supports the police and the court service on the incident. Paul Devenney was dismissed with immediate effect after the incident."