A CLEATOR Moor man has been given an 18-month driving ban for refusing to give police a blood specimen for analysis, claiming he suffers from a needle phobia.

Kevin James Allan OFee, 29, of Aldby Place, committed the offence in Workington on May 15 last year, Carlisle's Rickergate Magistrates Court heard.

He denied the offence but was found guilty after a trial. OFee admitted failing to appear for his trial at Workington's magistrates' court.

Part of his punishment will be a ten week curfew, which will be electronically monitored. This will run each day from 8pm to 6am. The defendant must also pay £85 court costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

OFee was represented by defence lawyer John Smith.