A SUSPECTED drug driver has been banned from getting behind the wheel.

Blair Anthony Egerton, 30, was stopped by police on Colbourne Street, near the Ocotal Way Tesco superstore, on July 23.

A roadside drugs test indicated Egerton had recently used cannabis and cocaine. When a police officer searched Egerton’s car he found a crack cocaine pipe and a small amount of cannabis.

But when he was taken to Gablecross Police Station, the Moredon man refused to give a blood sample to be tested for drugs.

Egerton, of Manor Crescent, Moredon, pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide a specimen for analysis and possession of cannabis when he appeared before Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday. He also admitted breaching the terms of a community order by twice failing to attend probation appointments.

Defending, Mark Glendenning, said his client had refused to give a sample at the police station because he’d felt victimised by officers: “He just wasn’t prepared to engage.”

And when his probation officer had told him he had breached the terms of his community order, he thought it wouldn't be worth attending further appointments.

However, Mr Glendenning said his client wanted help: “He is keen to comply with this order and take advantage of the help offered to him.”

Magistrates ordered his previous community order be extended by three months and told to pay £60 to the probation service. Egerton was fined £120 for failing to provide a specimen and must pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years.