Four police officers from Kent Police Marine Unit were patrolling the River Medway as part of the Maidstone River Festival. After completing their patrol, the constables waited in a queue to use the slipway near the Dragon’s Leisure Centre in Maidstone and it was here that Mr Casson’s RIB, which did not have any navigation lights, hit the police boat and sped off.

All in all, it sounds as if he was lucky to have got off so lightly...

PC Robert Dadd of Kent Police said: 'We are pleased that the EA successful with this prosecution. We hope it will send a clear and strong message that drinking alcohol while using boats is dangerous. In this instance, it was extremely fortunate that nobody was hurt.'

When considering the fine for this case, the magistrate took into account the high speed that the boat was travelling, the damage to both boats involved, the fact that the defendant was considered to be drunk and the increased danger of speeding on a river.

However, there is no mention of the driver being clocked for speeding, apprehended or breathalysed, so that statement may be a bit misplaced...

But we all know what the magistrate means and agree with his sentiments.