A tattooed car meet organiser said his needle phobia prevented him from undertaking drug tests – after he was arrested on suspicion of drug driving twice.
Bradley Warren appealed his two convictions for failing to provide a blood sample for analysis, but at Swindon Crown Court on 13 February, his claims were dismissed.
The 32-year-old, of Haig Close, Swindon, organised car meets in the town – which were described as “disruptive” by Wiltshire Police, who attempted to crack down on the unauthorised events.
The defendant was initially convicted of the two charges from October and November 2023 at Swindon Magistrates’ Court in June last year, where he was banned from driving for 16 months and handed a 12-month community order.
He also pleaded guilty to causing Police Sergeant Bott harassment, alarm or distress. He was fined £120.
At the appeal hearing, the court heard that his alleged phobia was not medically diagnosed and a healthcare professional disputed his claims because he had tattoos.
After the appeal was dismissed, the court upheld his original sentence and Warren was instructed to pay costs of £1,300.
Roads Policing officer Craig Beales said: “Warren was arrested twice within the span of six weeks on suspicion of drug driving and refused to provide a blood sample for analysis.
“I’m pleased the court has dismissed his appeal and that Warren is now banned from the roads.
“Drug driving is one of the fatal five offences and we will always look to pursue dangerous offenders who put themselves and other road users at risk by getting behind the wheel while under the influence.”
