Driving ban for man who crashed car into ditch at Spalding

A man who drove his car into a ditch on Boxing Day has been banned from the roads.

Steven Haworth, 36, was travelling along the B1165 at Spalding when his Renault Clio left the road.

He appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Monday (February 3), where he pleaded guilty to refusing to provide police with a sample for analysis.

The prosecution described this as a ‘deliberate refusal’, which was refuted by the defence.

“It was Thursday, December 26 at 1pm when police were called to the B1165 at Spalding,” prosecutor Tosin Abioye explained.

“A Renault Clio was involved in a single vehicle road traffic collision, it had crashed into a ditch.

“The driver refused to provide a roadside specimen and was therefore arrested.

The court was told Haworth was taken to Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital with a suspected broken rib.

“He gave a specimen sample to the ambulance service and was arrested for being over the limit,” Ms Abioye continued.

“At the hospital he refused to give a specimen of blood and was reported for failing to provide. It was seen as a deliberate refusal.”

Defending Haworth, who receives benefits, Mike Alexander said his client left the hospital without giving a blood sample because he wanted to take his own medication, unaware that doing so would be deemed refusing to provide a specimen to officers.

“He hadn’t explained his medical history, that he takes medication for anxiety,” he said.

“He hadn’t taken his medication and was becoming jittery.

“He told the ambulance service that, but he didn’t tell the police officer that. I can’t accept this is a deliberate refusal.”

Haworth, of Sandpiper Close, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, was banned from driving for 12 months, which could be reduced by 12 weeks if he completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.