An Exeter man is banned from driving for three-and-a-half years for failing a police drug test and admitting getting behind the wheel without a licence or insurance after he was stopped for acting suspiciously in a car.
A 40-year-old man has been fined and banned from the roads after pleading guilty to three driving offences from February 12 last year, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Michael Devonport, of Chestnut Avenue, Wonford, Exeter, told police he couldn’t provide a blood specimen for analysis due to a phobia of needles.
The incident occurred as officers on mobile patrol noticed the driver of a black Peugeot acting suspiciously.
Officers followed the vehicle until it came to a natural stop at Kinnerton Way, and PNC (Police National Computer) checks revealed that Devonport was driving uninsured and without a licence.
Drugs paraphernalia were also found in the car and Devonport provided a positive roadside drug swipe. When taken into custody, he refused to provide an evidential blood sample, despite repeated warnings from the officer that this would result in an additional charge.
“I have a phobia of needles. I don’t like needles,” Devonport told the court. “I knew it would come back positive, I had taken cocaine the night before.”
Devonport was banned from the road for 42 months and fined £364. He must also pay a £154 victim surcharge and court costs of £85.
