A DRUNK driver waded into water at Mepal Outdoor Centre when a police dog was sent to find him. Three 999 calls from George Jugg s family in the early hours had alerted police – and they found his abandoned crashed car in a ditch. Police dog Scooby foun

A DRUNK driver waded into water at Mepal Outdoor Centre when a police dog was sent to find him.

Three 999 calls from George Jugg's family in the early hours had alerted police - and they found his abandoned crashed car in a ditch.

Police dog "Scooby" found a trail to the back of the outdoor centre, and Jugg was given numerous warnings before the dog was released.

"They defendant was found wading into one of the lakes, he came out of the water but refused to comply with officers' requests," prosecutor Laura Mardell told Ely magistrates.

"He started to remove a section of wood from fencing to arm himself, despite being warned about his behaviour."

Police tried to control Jugg, and he was sprayed with incapacitant. The self employed mechanic who uses premises at Audley Garage, Littleport, later gave a blood test reading almost double the legal alcohol limit.

"The defendant's wife told police her husband left home in a BMW and was really, really drunk," described Ms Mardell.

Jugg had returned home almost immediately, but drove off again and a second 999 call was received from Jugg's wife.

"A third call came from his nephew, police were told he had drunk loads," explained Ms Mardell.

Police were at Jugg's home when he phoned his wife to say he had put his car in a ditch.

Representing himself in court, 40-year-old Jugg, of Farriers Gate, Chatteris, admitted drink-driving, he had a previous similar conviction in 1991.

"It was just bad timing and there were relationship problems," he explained. "I hate drink-driving and never thought I would do it again," he said.

Jugg was fined �1,000, banned from driving for 20 months and ordered to pay �85 costs and a �15 surcharge.