A Fraserburgh man who was suspected of drug-driving refused to give the police a blood sample to confirm their suspicions, claiming he was “scared” of needles.
Aeden Ewan was pulled over by officers on Merryhillock Road, Fraserburgh, a month ago.
He cooperated with the police when they asked him to participate in a roadside saliva swab.
The test result suggested he had drugs in his system.
However, the 22-year-old stopped complying with the officers once he was required to undergo further testing.
Ewan admitted to refusing to provide a blood sample at Peterhead Sheriff Court, where a sheriff banned him from driving for 12 months.
‘I think I will fail the test anyway’
Fiscal depute Anne Mann told the court that Ewan was spotted by police constables around 9pm on May 21.
He was driving his red Vauxhall Corsa on Watermill Road, Fraserburgh, when officers stopped him.
“A roadside test was carried out, which tested positive,” Ms Mann said. “The accused was then conveyed to the police station where he refused to take part in a test within.”
The prosecutor told the court that Ewan then admitted to the police: “I had alerted the officers I was scared of needles. I was told that is not a reasonable excuse.
“After thorough consideration, I was going to take it, until I heard it was in Kittybrewster. Also, I think I will fail the test anyway.”
‘He absolutely accepts that was very stupid of him to do’
Defence solicitor Paul Barnett, representing Ewan, said his client had taken cannabis two days earlier, which had caused the positive roadside drug test.
The lawyer explained that upon Ewan learning he would be taken to Aberdeen for the blood test, he refused to comply further.
“He absolutely accepts that was very stupid of him to do. He accepts he will have to face the consequences of that. The loss of his licence will be problematic for him.”
Mr Barnett added that Ewan had been employed in the construction industry, but is currently unemployed and receiving universal credit.
Sheriff Annella Cowan banned Ewan, of Buchan Place in Fraserburgh, from driving for a year and also fined him £500, which he must pay within six months.