A MAN refused to provide a sample of breath for police officers because he did not know why they had stopped him, a court was told.

Carl Chandler, of Windermere Drive, Warndon, Worc-ester, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said police received information at 10.10pm on Thursday, April 14, and attended Hardy Court, Astwood, Worcester.

He said: “A car pulled up on a drive and officers appr-oached the car and the driver identified himself.

“He was instructed to put his hands on the steering wheel and an officer took the keys from the ignition.

“He smelled strongly of alcohol and they noted there was a small child, under five, in the car and his partner.

"They told him he was required to take a roadside breath test, but he became abusive and aggressive towards the officers and started to pull away. He was arrested.”

Mark Turnbull, defending, said the standard of the 33-year-old’s driving was not an issue.

“While in the car, there was an argument between him and his partner which was still going on when the officer opened the car door,” said Mr Turnbull.

“It was dark and he was not aware it was a police officer, which contributed to his attitude.

"Police said they had had a phone call, which is an all-too-common occurrence.

“He is trying to move on from a previous lifestyle, but people phoned the police making accusations against him and he was stopped.

"He had not been drinking excessively and doesn’t believe he would have been over the limit. He just wants to get on with life.”

Chandler was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £400. He must also pay £85 costs.