AN ARMY mechanic has been banned from the roads after failing to provide a blood sample to police.

Craig Roy Durham admitted failing to provide a sample for analysis when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Durham had been driving a Mercedes in Hereford's Whitecross Road in the early hours of December 23 when he was pulled over by police, prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said.

He was asked to provide a roadside breath sample, and was taken into custody at Hereford police station after it returned a positive result.

But when asked to undertake an evidential breath test, he failed to give a sufficient sample, and refused to give a sample of blood.

George Cousins, for Durham, said the 25-year-old had fully cooperated with police at the scene, but had issues with giving a breath sample and a mental issue with blood, having previously fainted when having blood taken.

"He accepts he should have tried harder on the night," Mr Cousins said.

"He has been in the army for eight years and will be charged separately by the army for this, which you should take into account.

"He is a mechanic in the army and part of his job involves driving on the roads. He has been suspended from that role for the moment and he may lose his seniority as a result of this."

Durham, of Kings Acre Road, Hereford, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £325. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.