A DRIVING ban has been handed to a north Cumbrian motorist who failed to provide police with a breath specimen for analysis.

At Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court, John Park, 33, admitted that offence and failing to cooperate with a preliminary drugs test. He committed both offences on Friday, May 27, when police suspected him of an offence, the court heard.

The prosecution in the case dropped two other charges which were denied by the defendant,  relating to the alleged possession of offensive weapons – a wooden tool handle and a black metal and plastic cosh.

The defendant said that was part of his fishing kit.

Prosecutors had alleged that he committed those offences in Botcherby Avenue, Botcherby, Carlisle, on the same day. 

District Judge John Temperley imposed an 18-month driving ban and 120 of unpaid work. The defendant, of Evening Hill, Thursby, near Carlisle, must also pay costs of £85 and a £95 victim surcharge.

Park’s guilty pleas were taken into account, said the judge. The defendant was offered a rehabilitation course which if compelted by a deadline will lead to an 18-week reduction in the duration of his ban.