Refusing a breath sample while suspected of drink-driving has cost a Haverfordwest man his licence.

Norman Alan James, of Hill Street, was due to stand trial at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday, November 26, accused of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, but changed his plea to guilty at the start of the hearing.

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the court that police were called after James, 55, was seen to drive off by a witness who believed he had been drinking, on October 2.

Officers found that James’ car bonnet was still warm when they called at his flat, and noticed that he was slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet.

“He appeared intoxicated, and because of the demeanor of the defendant he was asked for a road-side breath sample. He refused to provide this.”

James was arrested and taken to Haverfordwest police station where he again refused to take a breath-test.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said an ‘unfortunate set of circumstances’ had led to James’ court appearance, and he was confused by the request for a roadside test while in his home.

“At the police station he misguided himself completely as to whether he was required to provide a sample of breath.

“He misguided himself completely of the law and found himself in trouble.”

Mr Webb added that James had been able to walk down the 56 steps from his flat without assistance, and was ‘not falling all over the place’.

“It was not a high level of impairment.”

The bench heard that James, who had a similar conviction dating back to 2007, accepted driving his vehicle home after drinking three pints in his local pub, but had consumed more alcohol before the officers arrived.

A report from the probation service revealed that James had alcohol issues and suffered from anxiety and depression.

Magistrates banned James from driving for two years and imposed a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work and a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He will also pay £300 court costs and an £85 surcharge.