Taxi driver Donald James almost caused a catastrophe when he drove on to an electrified railway line.

The 74-year-old said he had been listening to instructions from his sat nav when he turned off Shalloak Road at Broad Oak and started heading towards Canterbury West station.

Services on the line, which connects Thanet to London, were delayed for 90 minutes as a result of his actions.

James, of Marlowe Road, Margate, admitted careless driving when he appeared before magistrates at Canterbury. His passengers had been a 19-year-old woman and a girl aged nine on their way to Herne Bay.

He said he did not know the area and was listening to his sat nav which told him to turn when he reached the Broad Oak crossing. The car was stuck on the line while police arrived to secure the area.

James was banned for three years, fined £100 and ordered to pay £30 costs plus a £15 surcharge. He must retake his test if he wants to drive again.