£1,000 fine for man who failed to do drug wipe test

36-year-old refused police officer's request

A Port Erin man who refused to do a drug wipe test after being stopped by the police has been fined £1,000.

Leonard David Vernon, of Close Corneil, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse after admitting failure to provide a preliminary test.

Officers had followed the 36-year-old along The Sloc, on 28 May, due to his ‘excessive speed’ – when they stopped him near to his home he had bloodshot eyes and was shaking.  

Vernon was arrested and taken to Police Headquarters where a doctor determined he wasn’t under the influence of anything and no further action was taken.

Vernon’s advocate told the court: “He felt that the relevant requirements for taking the test weren’t met.”

Fining the HGV driver Magistrates told him: “It is not for you to refuse a reasonable request from a police officer.”

Ordering him to pay prosecution costs of £125, and endorsing his licence with four penalty points, they added: “Mr Vernon you are very, very lucky to keep your licence.”