A suspected illegal immigrant could be deported after completing a jail sentence for drink-driving.

Police stopped Edward Kosover, 39, driving a BMW erratically along Bayford Road in Littlehampton at 3.45pm on Monday.

When they pulled him over, he smelt strongly of drink. He failed a breath test, giving a reading of 103mg, almost three times the legal limit of 35mg.

Kosover was yesterday jailed for 72 days by District Judge Paul Tain after pleading guilty to a charge of driving with excess alcohol.

If a Home Office investigation finds he is in the UK illegally, Kosover, who claims to be an ex-soldier and has no fixed abode, may be deported after his time in jail.

Angela McGuinness, prosecuting, told the court how Kosover was unsteady on his feet and fell against the side of the car when he was asked to get out of the vehicle.

She said immigration officers are interviewing him about his status.

Jane Macdougall, defending, said: "The immigration authorities will be arresting him and he's going to be deported if they are not able to establish his identity."

She recommended Kosover was imprisoned for his offences rather than await a pre-sentence report because it was likely he would be held in a detention centre regardless.

Miss Macdougall said: "My client's background is a little confused. I understand he was a soldier.

"He clearly has a troubled history from his military services and this may have led to his drinking.

"He said he drank because he was feeling low and unwell.

"He drank a large amount of vodka and his common sense went out the window."

Sentencing, Judge Tain said: "Custody is unavoidable in respect of the excess alcohol matter.

"There will be no separate penalties for driving with no insurance."

The district judge banned Kosover from driving for three years and said: "This may be academic given the Home Office are going to intervene regarding his status."