A GROUNDWORKER from South Craven has been banned from driving after he refused to provide a sample to police for analysis.

Farran Reynard, 34, was taken to a police station because he was suspected of being in charge of a vehicle while over the drink-drive limit, heard Skipton Magistrates Court on Friday.

Police had responded after receiving information that he was driving after drinking and came across him, parked up. He was taken to Harrogate Police Station on April 20, where he refused to provide a specimen of breath to be analysed, saying he had not been driving and did not trust the police officer.

Reynard, who in court admitted failing to provide a specimen, had been asleep when the police had arrived and the car keys were not in the ignition, it was said in mitigation.

Mitigating, Keith Blackwell, said there had been an upset between Reynard and his partner and he had left her home, and had fallen asleep in his vehicle.

Mr Blackwell added Reynard lived with his parents and drove heavy machinery on building sites; he regretted what he had done and had learnt his lesson.

Reynard, of Greenfield Gardens, Eastburn, was banned from driving for four months, fined £600 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £240 and costs of £85.