Drivers refused breath tests

Brett Whitehead (23) appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having previously pled guilty to failing to provide a breath specimen, behaving in a threatening manner and driving without insurance in Gowan Avenue, Falkirk, on April 30.

Ann Orr, procurator fiscal depute, said: “Police were contacted about the accused driving under the influence. They caught up with him shortly after midnight.

“When the vehicle was stopped he kept saying he would provide a sample but he wanted to have a cigarette first. When he was told he couldn’t have one he began shouting and swearing at police officers.

“He appeared to be under the influence and, when they tried to apply handcuffs, he struggled violently with them.”

The court heart Whitehead, Arnside Road, Maltby, was currently in Scotland for work purposes and was earning £450 a week.

Whitehead, who has a history of failing to provide breath specimens, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined £900, which he was told to pay off at £50 per week.

Alastair MacMillan (54) actually refused a breath test after he had been involved in a crash.

He pled guilty to failing to provide a specimen at Higgins Neuk, near Kincardine Bridge, and failing to proved a blood sample at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on April 28.

Ms Orr said: “He refused to take a breath test and refused a blood test when later taken to hospital.

“When asked why he refused, the accused said it was because he was sober.”

MacMillan, 5 Deanfield Terrace, Bo’ness, was banned from driving for 27 months and placed on a supervised community payback order for 12 months with the condition he complete 120 hours unpaid work within six months. He was also ordered to forfeit his car.