A ship master has been sent to prison for being over the legal limit for alcohol and in charge of a vessel docked in King's Lynn.

Eastern Daily Press: The Bentinck Dock at King's Lynn. Picture: Matthew Usher.The Bentinck Dock at King's Lynn. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

But West Norfolk magistrates told Alexander Chuyko that he would be released from custody if he was able to pay the total amount in fines also issued.

Chuyko, who spoke through a Russian interpreter, admitted yesterday to two charges of being a professional master of a ship when the alcohol in his breath was over the prescribed limit, and for failing to co-operate to provide a breath test.

He had been arrested and charged with an offence under the Railway and Transport Safety Act 2003.

The court heard the 45-year-old was responsible for a 4,100-tonne vessel in Bentinck Dock when he was arrested by police on Monday following a drinking session.

The 87m ship had a crew of nine.

But George Sorrell, mitigating, explained Chuyko went out drinking in the town after finding out his wife was unwell back in his home city of Kaliningrad, in Russia.

He said that Chuyko had 'consoled himself with drink' in a bar, and his ambition was to make this his last journey after 17 years as a boat captain.

The vessel, called Vita, was due to leave King's Lynn for Amsterdam the following day.

A spokesman for the King's Lynn Conservancy Board confirmed the ship arrived from Holland carrying soya on Thursday and left on Tuesday evening on the afternoon tide.

Jayne Kelly, chairman of the bench, said: 'We have taken into consideration your guilty plea, and have reduced your fine to £500 for each charge.'

Chuyko, listed as having no fixed abode, must pay a total of £1,315, including £265 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

He was ordered to serve a maximum prison sentence of 28 days until the payments are made.

Associated British Ports declined to comment.