A MALDON drug driver who refused to provide a specimen for analysis has been disqualified from getting behind the wheel.

Abdul Miah, 29, of Cross Road, Maldon, refused to provide a blood sample following his arrest, claiming he had a phobia of needles.

He was arrested on October 14 last year after failing a roadside drugs swab.

Road policing officers stopped Miah’s Volkswagen Golf on Main Road, Boreham just before 7pm after smelling cannabis and spotting him get into the vehicle.

A roadside saliva swab tested positive for cannabis and Miah was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

In custody he later refused to provide a blood sample for laboratory testing and was charged with failing to provide a specimen when required to do so.

Miah admitted the charge and was sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on March 6.

He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay a £500 fine and £200 court costs.

Adam Pipe, Casualty Reduction Manager for Essex Police, said: “Miah refused to provide a blood sample to be sent to the laboratory for testing claiming he had a phobia of needles.

"However a medical expert refuted this was the case.

“Roadside drug testing swabs mean we are better equipped than ever to detect drug drivers.

"If you take drugs and get behind the wheel it is only a matter of time before you are caught and put before the courts.”