A PENHILL man who failed to supply a sample of blood after being arrested on suspicion of drug driving has been fined more than £500.

Charles Braithwaite, 22, was pulled over by the police on Sunday. He tested positive for drugs at the roadside and was arrested.

Prosecutor Graham Dono told Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday the young man had refused to provide a sample of blood when he got to Gablecross police station.

Gordon Hotson, defending, told the justices his client had not realised the offence of failing to provide was so serious.

He said: “He was aware he had used something the day before and I think he felt the likelihood was [the sample] would be positive.

“What he didn’t appreciated at the time was quite how seriously the courts take failing to provide.”

The motor industry quality inspector was currently on furlough. He lived with his father and had a nine-month old child, who he had not been able to see during the lockdown. He had no previous convictions.

Braithwaite, 22, of Penhill Drive, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of blood for analysis.

Magistrates banned him from the roads for 18 months, fined him £541 and ordered he pay £139 in costs and surcharge.