A DRINK-driver who tried to evade the long arm of the law by running three miles across the South Downs has been banned from the roads.

Tyler Thompson was driving a Volkswagen Polo when it crashed into signage at the Beddingham roundabout near Lewes.

The 20-year-old telephonist and three friends abandoned the vehicle and ran off into the Downs hoping to avoid capture by police officers searching for them.

However Belgian Shepherd police dog Blyss tracked the scent of the quartet and helped officers locate them on the A26 at Tarring Neville.

Thompson, of Marden Close, Brighton, was arrested and charged with driving with 45mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system following the crash in September.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at Brighton Magistrates' Court last week and was disqualified from driving for 16 months, fined £275 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Blyss's handler, Sergeant Graeme McKee, said: "Drink-driving is an offence that can devastate people's lives, and I'm really pleased that Blyss could play an important role in securing this conviction.

"We tracked this suspect for nearly three miles, over hill and dale, through fields of sheep and crossing the South Downs Way, where he was detained by other officers who had travelled ahead. This is an excellent example of police working together to get the job done.

"I hope this will serve as a reminder of the dangers of drink and drug-driving, and what an excellent job our police dogs do in helping to keep the people of Sussex safe.”