A MAN suspected of drink driving refused to supply a blood sample to police saying that it was 'against his human rights.'

Jack Bateman told police he had a fear of needles after a breathalyser was found to be broken and a blood test had to be done instead.

Bateman, aged 29, and of East Weare Road, Portland, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis as the driver of a vehicle and using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance.

Nicola Reece, prosecuting, said: "At around 9.30pm on April 6, Bateman was driving a Fiat Punto along Weymouth Esplanade."

Police pulled Bateman over for a stop and check as the vehicle was flagged as having no insurance.

Ms Reece said: "He provided a roadside breathalyser test but there was an issue with the machine."

Bateman stated that he 'would not provide a blood or urine sample' and that it was 'against his human rights' a court heard.

Lee Christmas, mitigating, said: "Bateman was prepared to blow into the machine. He has a fear of needles but has since expressed that he could have done it as it is more of a dislike."

Mr Christmas said: "He is a self-employed builder and has to drive for work so would struggle with his job (if he was given a driving ban) as he doesn't have a work mate to drive him."

Bateman has his own works van but was driving his girlfriend's car with passengers inside when he was pulled over.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report and issued Bateman an interim driving disqualification of six months, or until the date of his sentencing.

Bateman is due to be sentenced at Weymouth Magistrates' Court at 10am on June 20.