A MAN who gave a roadside reading double the legal drink-drive limit later refused to provide an evidential sample at the police station.

Blackburn magistrates heard Oliver James Barton claimed after initial refusals he had agreed to provide a sample but had been told it was too late.

Barton, 20, of Almond Crescent, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was fined £450 with £85 costs and £45 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 28 months.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said a witness was asleep in bed at his home in Blackburn was woken by a loud bang outside at 3.30am.

He went out and discovered damage had been caused to his pickup and trailer. Two men were standing by a car further up the road arguing. One of them picked up a wing mirror and they both got into a car and drove away.

"A neighbour identified the driver as the defendant and he was later arrested at his hone address," said Mrs Yates.

When Barton was asked to provide a sample at the police station he made a snoring sound to indicate he was ignoring the officer.

"I would say that was a deliberate refusal," said Mrs Yates.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said his client believed the officer had acted very quickly in coming to the conclusion he was refusing.

"He asked to speak to a solicitor before giving a sample," said Mr Nightingale.

"When he was told that amounted to a refusal he says he offered to provide a breath test but was told it was too late."