James Doyle, a 57-year-old motorist from Fir Tree Way, Bognor, faced sentencing after driving his car into floodwaters in North Bersted Street, Bognor, while significantly over the drink-drive limit. This incident necessitated a dramatic rescue operation where officers had to wade into the water to conduct a breath test, later facilitated by public members offering kayaks for the officers to use.

Doyle pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on December 12, 2023, following his arrest on November 15, 2023. At the time of the incident, he was found to have 120 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—over three times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.

Drink-driving poses a grave risk on the roads, significantly contributing to fatalities and serious injuries. Acknowledging the severity of Doyle’s actions, the court handed down a sentence of eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, on February 5. In addition, Doyle received a driving ban for 29 months and was ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £239.