Driver disqualified and fined after failing to provide breath test sample

Police were alerted to the driver of this white Mercedes by Darlington CCTV operators, who suspected he may have been under the influence of alcohol.

Cameras followed the car to Victoria Road, where officers stopped and breathalysed the driver.

Despite repeated attempts to fool the breathalyser – including sucking on the tube instead of blowing into it – 43-year-old Gavin Twist eventually gave a roadside sample of 99.

The legal limit is 35.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, but when required to provide an evidential breath sample in custody, he refused on the grounds that he did not feel his pyjama bottoms were suitable for walking to the breath test room.

After refusing several opportunities, Twist, of Darlington, was further arrested for failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

Appearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 12, he was found guilty of failing to provide, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

He was handed more than £1,100 in fines and disqualified from driving for 14 months.