A WOMAN refused in an unusual way to co-operate with police who wanted to breathalyser her.

Blackburn magistrates heard that throughout the police station procedure Anita Scholes sang ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ the song sung by Judy Garland in the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

The court heard the defendant’s rendition went on for more than 10 minutes and was eventually deemed to be a refusal to supply.

Scholes, 51, of Marlborough Court, Accrington, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a six months alcohol treatment requirement and 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement.

She was fined £50 with £95 victim surcharge and £85 costs and banned from driving for nine months.

Peter Williams, prosecuting, said police were notified of a possible drink driver in the early hours of the morning.

They found Scholes sitting in her car with the engine running.

They were unable to carry out a roadside test and took Scholes to the police station, the court was told.

“She continued to sing ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ while the police were trying to carry out the procedure,” said Mr Williams.

“She completely ignored all requests to take part.”

Aftab Bakhat, defending, detailed traumas in his client’s life which had led to her suffering from depression.

She received more bad news on the day of the incident, he added.

She had gone drinking, not intending to drive, but then drove to her friend’s house, the court heard.

“She was outside when the police arrived,” said Mr Bakhat.