A MAN has been banned from driving after failing to give a blood sample when asked to do so by police officers.

Winston Simpson, of Portland Place, Hastings, appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

The 59-year-old was suspected of having driven a vehicle illegally on March 10 and was required to do an alcohol and drugs test.

He was taken into custody at Hastings Police Station in Bohemia Road where he refused to provide a specimen of blood.

Simpson initially pleaded not guilty to the offence before eventually admitting the charge during a court hearing on October 13.

Simpson has been disqualified from driving for 12 months and given a community order to carry out 40 hours of unpaid, supervised work.

He must also pay a £95 surcharge to fund victim services and £100 to the Crown Prosecution Service.

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