Sussex Police use kayaks to reach car stuck in Bognor Regis floods

James Doyle misjudged the depth of water on the road surface in North Bersted Street, Bognor, forcing officers to wade in to the water to reach him.

A nearby kayak owner kindly offered the officers their kayaks so the police could complete their checks on the car.

James Doyle drove into flood water while under the influence of alcohol (Image: Sussex Police)

Doyle, 57, of Fir Tree Way, Bognor, admitted drink-driving after he was found to be more than three times the legal alcohol limit.

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Doyle appeared before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on December 12 and admitted driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

The court heard that police were called at 9.30am on November 15 last year to his car stuck in flood waters.

The officers waded through the water to breathalyse Doyle, who tested positive for alcohol. 

He was arrested and taken to custody, where he provided a sample of 120 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

Doyle was sentenced to eight weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months,when he appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court on Monday, February 5. 

He was also disqualified from driving for 29 months and ordered to pay a total of £239.  

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Driving while intoxicated is one of the main reasons why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“Our work to stop drink and drug drivers continues all year round, and officers will continue to be on patrol to stop selfish motorists who put the safety of themselves and other road users at risk.

“The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include:

• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
• A minimum 12-month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance costs;
• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA.”