A PICKERING man has been fined £300 and disqualified from driving because he failed to provide a specimen for police after crashing his car.

Steven John Cockerill, 20, of Marton Lane, Pickering, appeared at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday. The court heard that on May 19, Cockerill was driving his car, containing a passenger, along the A170 between Middleton and Pickering, when he crashed into a tree.

When tested at the roadside, Cockerill failed a breath test. However, due to injuries sustained in the crash, both Cockerill and the passenger were taken to hospital.

When officers attended hospital to gain an evidential specimen of breath from Cockerill, he refused, and failed to provide it.

Traffic Constable Jamie Lord said: “I’m pleased with the sentence that has been passed today. Cockerill could have seriously injured, or worse, killed his passenger or another innocent road user through his irresponsible behaviour.

“Today’s result just proves that if you put other lives in danger and drive under the influence of alcohol and then think you can get away with it by refusing to provide a specimen for analysis – you can’t.

“We will prosecute you for the offence of failing to provide and you will be banned from the road.”

Cockerill was found guilty of failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay a £300 fine plus £30 surcharge and £620 costs.