A red-faced Tory councillor has apologised after he was fined for drunk and disorderly conduct in a bar.

Mark McCarthy, 33, said he was "deeply embarrassed" after he was forced to pay an £80 on-the-spot fine.

Coun McCarthy, elected to Worthing Borough Council in 1999 when he was described as a star of the future, was in a bar in Worthing town centre on Friday night when police were called.

In his defence, Coun McCarthy last night told The Argus he had been prescribed tranquilisers earlier that day and had not been warned that mixing them with alcohol would lead to "adverse effects".

He said: "I apologise wholeheartedly and am deeply embarrassed for any offence I have caused.

"Following an ear operation, I had stitches taken out that day and was given tranquillisers to relieve the pain. I took three and drank alcohol with them.

"It was the first time I had taken them and I was not aware that I should not drink. I have since stopped taking them because of their adverse effects.

"I applaud high standards in public office and I think many of my constituents would say I have achieved reasonably high standards."

He would not discuss details of the incident which led to police being called.

Opposition Lib Dem councillors said he should explain himself to his colleagues on the council.

Worthing's Tory leader Keith Mercer was unaware of the incident until The Argus spoke to him.

He said he was puzzled why Coun McCarthy had not contacted him. "I am shocked. I had heard a councillor had been apprehended by police but I hadn't been given a name. I will be looking into this."