A MAN caught drink driving while more than three times over the limit and using his mobile is being hunted by police.

Tarik Girgin, 30, was seen by officers holding his mobile phone to his ear as he drove his Mercedes Sprinter van on the A259 Bexhill Road heading away from Hastings and towards Bexhill.

Girgin, of Durham Hill, Bromley, Kent, failed to turn up to Hastings Magistrates' Court on November 18 after he was charged.

He was convicted in his absence of drink-driving, driving without a licence, using a mobile phone at the wheel and driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

A warrant has now been issued for Girgin's arrest so that he can be put before the court and sentenced.

Superintendent Jane Derrick said: "The fact that Girgin is wanted by the court has now been circulated to police forces across the country so that if any officer stops him they will arrest him.

"I would also urge anyone that knows where he is to contact us so that he can be arrested and sentenced.”