A Neyland man has been convicted of failing to provide a specimen of blood after being suspected of drink-driving.

Thirty-three-year-old Jeffrey Peter Parry Thomas, of Sports Way, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court for a trial on Monday (December 9) after previously pleading not guilty to the offence that occured in Johnston.

The prosecution’s evidence was a statement provided by a police officer on October 15, the day Mr. Thomas was arrested in Johnston when suspected of having driven a vehicle under the influence.

Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb asked his client questions relating to the day’s events, and if police had requested consent by him for a specimen of blood.

Mr. Thomas confirmed an officer did request a sample of his blood, but he refused to give one.

He said that eight years ago he started to become scared of needles, because he had felt sick for a week and a half after having injections.

Mr. Thomas told the court that he’d had a phobia all his life and as a result he didn’t want to have another injection again.

He said he was due to have an injection a few years ago for a blood test as he had fainted, but he did not go to the appointment.

The defendant said he told the police officer who dealt with him that he didn’t like needles and admitted that he was embarrassed because the officer kept on questioning him.

As a result, he feared that he would have an adverse reaction to the injection which is why he refused to have one.

Prosecutor Linda Baker claimed that Mr. Thomas did not inform the officer that he had a phobia.

She said that the defendant was asked three questions, including one which stated: “Is there any other reason why you can’t provide a blood specimen?”

She then argued that Mr. Thomas had not provided any information with regards to his medical history and said there was no medical evidence either to explain the defendant’s phobia.

Mr. Webb, defending, said his client has vowed not to have any injections again as he had become ill when he had injections needed to travel to Thailand.

He added the defendant was not someone who troubled the doctors too much and has stayed away from things that may involve injections such as tattoos.

The chairman of the bench concluded the case by stating: “The defence have failed to provide evidence that you had a reasonable excuse in not providing a specimen of blood and we find you guilty.”

Magistrates disqualified the defendant from driving for 36 months.

He was also fined £180, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £620 and a victim surcharge of £32.