A SUSPECTED drink driver from Skipton who refused to be breathalysed because he was tired, has been banned from driving for 20 months.

James Miller will also be fitted with an alcohol abstinence monitoring tag, preventing him from drinking alcohol for 120 days.

Miller, 21, was taken to Harrogate Police Station after providing a positive roadside test in Skipton in the early hours of June 9, heard Skipton Magistrates Court today (Friday).

He had been stopped by police after driving on Keighley Road at 3am at speed and with a faulty rear brake light, the court heard. At the police station when asked to provide a specimen for the evidential test, he said he 'needed some kip', and was generally 'unhelpful and arrogant', said prosecutor Nadine Clough.

When asked if there was any reason why he could not provide a specimen for analysis, he replied he was tired and "couldn't be a****’, said Ms Clough.

Miller, of Walton Street, Skipton, admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

In mitigation, Muhammad Hussain said Miller had told him he was 'shattered' at the time and had not appreciated failing to provide a specimen for analysis was a criminal offence.

Mr Hussain added Miller was devastated at the prospect of losing his licence.

Miller was banned from driving for 20 months and given a 12 month community order with 120 days alcohol abstinence monitoring and up to 20 rehabilitation activity days. He will also have to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £114. If he completes a drink drivers rehabilitation course, his ban will be reduced 20 weeks.