Man 'slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet' refused to provide specimen to police

Refusing a breath sample while suspected of drink-driving has cost a former Tenby man his driving licence, after he confronted police officers slurring his speech whilst unsteady on his feet.

Fifty-five-year old Norman Alan James, formerly of Tenby, now of Hill Street, in Haverfordwest, was due to stand trial at the town’s magistrates court on Monday, accused of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, but changed his plea to guilty at the start of the hearing.

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

Officers found that Mr. James’s 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 demeanour of the defendant he was asked for a road-side breath sample. He refused to provide this,” Mr. Hussain explained.

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

Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told the court that an ‘unfortunate set of circumstances’ had led to Mr. 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!”

Magistrates heard that Mr. 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 police officers arrived.

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

Magistrates banned Mr. 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 was also ordered to pay £300 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.