A POWYS man has been banned from driving after belatedly admitting he refused to provide a blood sample to police.

David Lee Denham told police who had arrested him on suspicion of drug driving last November that he didn’t like needles, and he refused to provide a sample for them.

Denham, 45, initially denied the offence, but on the day of his trial at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week, he changed his plea to guilty, and received a driving ban.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks said on Wednesday, January 31, Denham was pulled over in Landrindod driving a Range Rover Sport on November 7.

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“He initially fled the scene but police were able to detain him,” said Mr Maddocks.

“A roadside drug swipe failed and he was arrested, due to suspected drug use. He later refused to provide a sample, he said he didn’t like needles. No medical reason was given.”

Acting for the defendant, of Mill View Close, Howey, Pat Matthews said police noticed a smell of cannabis in the car when they pulled Denham over, but she said her client had not been smoking the drug.

“There was no bad driving, it was a routine stop and there was a smell of cannabis,” she said.

“He said he hadn’t been smoking cannabis, but it can sometimes stay in your hair or clothes, as it’s quite pungent.

“He has now pleaded guilty and I’d ask you to be lenient. He doesn’t need any intervention, as he is not a frequent flyer in court. He suffers with anxiety and depression.”

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and probation officer Gareth Jenkins said in the day leading up to the stop Denham had been in the company of friends who had been smoking cannabis.

“He had not been smoking himself,” said Mr Jenkins. “He was a previous user but he does not smoke it anymore.

“His mental health has deteriorated over the last 18 months since the death of his father following a stroke.”

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He said Denham had 42 previous offences on his record, but added the last conviction was in 2015. “He has since become a self-employed carpenter and moved on with his life, which is why he’s not been in trouble for 8 years,” said Mr Jenkins.

“He is currently out of work due to his mental health.”

Magistrates handed Denham a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days.

He was fined £81, told to pay £160 costs and a £114 surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months.