A DRINK driver who was reported by his Worcester neighbours refused to provide a breath sample, telling police 'I know I'll blow over'.

However, Andrew Warren who was living in Worcester at the time, later agreed to provide a sample at the station and was more twice the legal limit.

The 37-year-old father admitted driving his Vauxhall Insignia with excess alcohol in Newark Green, Warndon Villages, Worcester when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Thursday.

Amanda Tomkins, prosecuting, said police were informed about a potential drink driver on August 9 this year and CCTV was viewed by officers which showed the defendant driving.

"He refused to provide a specimen at the roadside and stated if he did so he would blow over" said Mrs Tomkins.

However, he later provided an evidential reading of 73mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 35mcg.

He has no previous convictions or cautions recorded against him.

Barrister Philip Worrall, defending, said his client was a man of previous good character and had been 'very candid'.

"He really didn't know why he chose to drink through the day. He really doesn't know why he got into his car and drove. His neighbours report him to the police as good citizens," he said.

The advocate said his client did not provide a sample at the roadside because he knew he would be over the limit and did not want to waste police time. The defendant later told him: "I'm going to take it on the chin."

The quantity surveyor's driving ban will effect his work as he uses his car around 40 per cent of the time, including to visit locations and clients.

"He's not quite sure what is going to happen" said Mr Worrall.

The defendant, now of Lynden Avenue, Shipley, Leeds was banned from driving for 18 months. He was also fined £667, ordered to pay costs of £130 and a victim surcharge of £67.

He was offered the drink drive course which, if completed successfully, will reduce the length of the ban.

If he completes the course the ban will end on October 30, 2021. If he does not complete it the disqualification will run the full length and end on March 16, 2022.