A driver who tried three times to dodge a breath test has been banned from driving.

Henry Gbadebo, 34, of Swindon pleaded guilty to failure to provide a specimen and driving on Corporation Street without insurance or a license on June 16.

He appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court on July 3.

The police were called on Gbadebo by an ambulance crew driving behind him who thought he might be drunk.

Mr Adam Cooper, prosecuting, said: “Police were immediately hit by a very strong smell of alcohol.”

Gbadebo meanwhile had “bloodshot eyes and a drowsy expression”. At the roadside, there was a “failure or an inability through drink to provide”.

Back in custody, after three opportunities to give a breath sample, an experienced police officer believed Gbadebo was using techniques to block the mouthpiece or make the equipment fail.

Gbadebo, who has no previous convictions, was a provisional license holder and uninsured while carrying a passenger.

He was sentenced to 80 hours unpaid work, a 16-month driving disqualification, reduced after completion of a course.

Gbadebo must also pay £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge.