Refusing to provide a blood sample during a visit to Milford Haven led to a three year driving ban.

Leif Michael Allen, of Grays Gardens, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood specimen for analysis, using a vehicle without third-party insurance and Class B drug possession, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, April 23.

Stephen Mallison, prosecuting, said officers could smell cannabis when they stopped his VW Passat in Great North Road, Milford Haven, at 11am on April 3.

Checks confirmed that the car was not insured and Allen, 33, told officers he had smoked a joint the previous night, and there was another in the vehicle.

A roadside drug-swab was positive for cannabis, but Allen withdrew his consent to provide an evidential blood sample, after ‘deliberating for some time’ at the police station.

Mr Mallison said: “He confirmed that the cannabis was his and accepted he was unfit to drive through drugs.”

The court heard that Allen, who was in the area to visit his daughter, had a previous conviction for cannabis possession and driving while over the controlled drug limit.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said Allen had admitted the matter at the first opportunity.

“He was going to comply with the blood test, but for some reason misdirected himself as to what was the best option. One wonders why, because he admitted he had smoked cannabis and was in possession of cannabis.”

The bench was told that had cut down on his cannabis use significantly, but used in the evening.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work.

Allen was banned from driving for 36 months and fined £120. Six penalty points were added to his licence and he was ordered to pay £170 in costs and a surcharge.

A destruction order was made for the seized joint.