Port of Dover

Romualdas Rocys was in court just two hours after being caught drunk at Port of Dover

A man who was caught driving under the influence of alcohol has lost his licence just two hours after being charged with the offence.

Romualdas Rocys, a 48-year-old Lithuanian lorry driver, was stopped by police in Back Road East at the Port of Dover, and was found to be almost four times over the legal limit.

The HGV driver appeared in court from a police station through the virtual court system, and was disqualified from driving for 36 months and fined £1500.

After being pulled over by officers, the driver fell from the truck before being arrested.

Detective Inspector Bob Platt said: “A HGV is a deadly weapon in the wrong hands and the consequences of driving a lorry whilst drunk are severe.

“Rocys’ selfish actions put the lives of Kent road users at risk though thankfully a swift response by security staff and Kent Police prevented a potential fatality on our roads.

“Under normal circumstances a person would be bailed to return to court after being charged, this means that between the date of charge and the court appearance that person can drive their vehicle.

“By using the Virtual Court Network a defendant can lose their licence on the same day as charge and therefore the chances of them being a danger on the roads and re-offending is limited.”