A Thanet police officer has been dismissed without notice after he admitted drink-driving.

PC Ryan Bullows' conviction was today found to amount to gross misconduct by Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, who called his actions "entirely unacceptable".

On October 22 last year the 43-year-old officer failed a breathalyser test while off-duty in Buckinghamshire.

At about 2.20am, his car, a Vauxhall Astra Estate, was seen parked half way up a verge by two Thames Valley police officers, PC Glover and PC Gregory.

As PC Glover approached the car to investigate, the engine was started and the car moved forward a short distance.

PC Glover knocked on the window and suspected Bullows, who was the only person in the car, had been drinking.

He was then escorted to the patrol car where he a failed a breathalyser test and was arrested.

A second test was taken at Milton Keynes police station, which was also positive.

The highest reading of the two was 58 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath and the lowest was 54 micrograms. The legal limit is 35.

According to Bullows, he had driven between a quarter-of-a-mile and half-a-mile before he was approached by the officers.

At a court hearing in Milton Keynes on November 6 last year, Bullows pleaded guilty to drink driving.

He was banned from driving for 15 months and fined £390.

Today, the behaviour of PC Bullows, who has served with Kent Police for two years, was found to amount to gross misconduct and he was instantly dismissed.

Chief Constable Pughsley said he had "no other option but to find one of misconduct" for a "breach so serious".

On his decision to instantly dismiss the officer, he added: "I have no doubt he knew he was over the limit.

"He chose to drive in full knowledge that he had been drinking.

"As a police officer, it will harm the trust the public have in us. It is entirely unacceptable.

"There is irreplaceable harm on public confidence and police representation.

"I understand he continued to work extremely hard and showed remorse, and there was no dishonesty throughout the case.

"I have taken into consideration any mitigating circumstances, but mitigation does not allow you to break the law."