A DRIVER stopped in the early hours claimed it was his passengers who smelled of alcohol and not him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jonathan Read later failed to provide a specimen of breath despite several attempts and instructions from the police.

Read, 40, of Waterloo Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

He was made subject to a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehab activity requirement and 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said police on mobile patrol at 2am saw a car on the wrong side of the road. They followed until the car came to a natural stop.

“When officers approached the vehicle they could smell alcohol and the defendant said it was from the passengers,” said Miss Mills.

She said at the police station Read failed to provide an adequate sample for analysis.

Peter King, defending, said his client accepted police were entirely justified in stopping the vehicle and that he would have been over the limit.

“He did attempt to blow into the mouthpiece on four occasions but he was unsuccessful,” said Mr King.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said Read had “manifestly” refused to follow police instructions.