A DRIVER who refused to provide a blood specimen because of a fear of needles has been banned for three years by Kidderminster magistrates.

John Fincher knocked down a lamp post near his home in Windsor Drive, Kidderminster, the court was told.

He was arrested after a positive roadside breath test, said prosecutor Clare Linehan. The breath test machine at the police station was not working and he was asked for a blood sample.

Fincher, 50, admitted careless driving and failing to provide the sample. The three-year ban was imposed because of a drink-drive offence in 1996 . He was also fined £350, with £125 costs.

He had co-operated with the blood tests but he had a genuine fear of needles, said his solicitor, Gary Harper.