FORMER cabbie stopped by police made eight attempts to give a specimen of breath -- but managed only one, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates heard how Mohammed Javed, 31, had no driving licence and wasn't insured.

Javed, of Hartington Street, Brierfield, admitted failing to provide a specimen, failing to surrender to bail and motoring allegations and was banned for 18 months. He was also fined £200.

Elizabeth Reed, prosecuting, said the defendant was given eight attempts to provide a specimen, but managed to provide only one sufficient for the breath test procedure to be carried out.

Another police officer was brought to explain to the defendant what was expected and he was asked to provide a second specimen of breath.

Bridget Hibbert, defending, said Javed drove a relatively short distance and his passenger was a friend and not a fare paying passenger.