A security guard had his car towed away while he was treated in hospital after collapsing in the dock in court.

Kevin Ogle had a seizure while guarding two prisoners during a trial at Hove Crown Court.

He was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton by ambulance as his partner Sandra Baralin followed in their car.

"When Ms Baralin arrived at the hospital, she parked in Bristol Gate.

After being seen by a doctor, Mr Ogle left hospital to find the car had been towed away.

He said: "We could not believe it. I had never suffered from a seizure before in my life and it is a frightening experience, especially when you are guarding two prisoners.

"I am normally a healthy bloke and the doctors said it was probably a reaction to medication I was taking.

"After a day like that, it was a nightmare to come out of the hospital and find the car had gone."

Ms Baralin believed she had parked legally but later discovered there should have been double-yellow lines where the car had been.

Council contractors had covered up the lines when they resurfaced the street and they had not been repainted.

The couple bought a disposable camera and took pictures of the space where the car had been parked.

They presented the photographs as evidence when they went to collect their car from the compound but were told they still had to pay £155 to retrieve it, along with a £35 parking fine.

Mr Ogle said: "We were told we could appeal against the fines and would probably get the money back but that it would take some time.

"It's a lot of money to pay out, even if it is only temporarily."

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "I can't comment on this case individually but if a contractor carries out roadworks or resurfacing, it is their responsibility to replace road markings after the work is completed.

"If the markings are not put back properly and somebody parks there and is given a parking ticket or is towed away, and there is no other reason for this to happen, then they are normally given a refund.

"If this couple appeal their case will be looked into."