A SOLDIER with the Scots Guards Mechanised Infantry Regiment was banned from driving after failing to provide a breathalyser sample.

Blackburn magistrates banned Thomas Haslam for 12 months after hearing he will be deployed to Iraq in November for a six months tour of duty.

Haslam, 28, of Moss Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was fined £846 with £85 costs and £84 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Haslam was stopped at 3.25am near to his home address and gave a roadside reading of 79.

At the police station he made four attempts to provide a sample but failed on each occasion.

"The officer who administered the procedure said the defendant had got worked up about the potential reading and the potential consequences for him," said Mrs Yates.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said Haslam had been out with friends and had gone to his girlfriend's house expecting to stay there.

"They had a falling out to such an extent that he thought the relationship was over and he was driving home when he was stopped," said Mr Nightingale.

He said Haslam was a young man who had served his country for eight years who had made a foolish mistake.