Arne Wante, chief executive of Travel Expo thought fuel was cheaper in England, but was stopped by an immigration officer after landing his light aircraft at Lydd Airport in Kent on May 19.

The immigration officer alerted police after noticing a strong smell of alcohol and Mr Wante was arrested.

Blood tests showed he had 112 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit for pilots is just 20 per 100.

At Canterbury Crown Court Judge Michael O’Sullivan told him: “Alcohol affects judgment. Your actions may have led to a disaster for you and your passengers.”

Wante admitted being drunk in charge of a plane and was fined £7,000, and £355 costs.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©