A POLISH driver refused to provide a specimen of breath because the procedure is different in Poland, magistrates heard.

Pawel Suchon pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to provide a specimen for analysis without reasonable excuse. The proceedings of the court were related to Suchon by a Polish interpreter.

Prosescutor Kate Prince told the court that Suchon was driving a blue Peugeot on Devizes Road on New Year’s Day this year when stopped by police who were concerned he was about to commit a road traffic offence.

After stopping Suchon the officers detected a strong smell of intoxicating liquor and asked him to take a roadside breath test.

Suchon, 21 of Bedford Road, Swindon, identified himself but moved away from the officer, folded his arms and said he was scared.

He was arrested and taken to Gablecross police station where he refused to co-operate with custody staff and again refused to provide a specimen of breath, Miss Prince said.

Mark Glendenning, defending, said Suchon accepted that he had refused or failed to provide a specimen of breath.

This was because, Mr Glendenning said, he was not sure of his rights and wanted to provide a blood sample, which was the procedure in Poland.

“This is certainly a lesson learned,” Mr Glendenning told the court, adding that Suchon was normally in full-time employment but was currently on sick leave due to back pain.

Suchon was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £230. He was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.