A 52-YEAR-OLD man who refused to provide specimens of blood or breath at the police station claimed he was disorientated and under stress because of the pain he was suffering.

Sian Hall, defending, told Blackburn magistrates Meredith Bert Taylor's ailments didn't amount to a defence, but did explain his behaviour.

Talbot, of Bradda Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen. He was fined £150 with £65 costs and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Miss Hall said Talbot had heart problems and was under a great deal of stress.

"In addition, he has recently suffered a slipped disc and on the day of this offence the pain he was suffering became unbearable," she said.

"He reached a point where he could not cope with the pain and drove to see his doctor."

She said Talbot had not been able to see his doctor and was on his way home when he was stopped. Her client maintained that he had not been drinking.