A MOTORIST was spared jail after he refused to provide a specimen of blood when suspected of having committed an offence.

Wayne James Clark, 47, of Brakeside Gardens, Whitehaven, appeared at the magistrates court in Workington last week.

He pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates handed Clark a 84-day jail term, suspended for 15 months.

The court heard that the incident happened in Whitehaven on August 24.

Magistrates felt the offence was serious because Clark's refusal to provide the blood sample was deliberate and he was acting as a professional driver at the time of the offence.

Clark was ordered to abide by a curfew for 10 weeks. He was also banned from driving for 30 months.

Clark must pay £85 costs and £122 victim surcharge.