A Birmingham man, Raymond Heaven, 44, was handed a driving ban and ordered to pay over £1,000 after being involved in a minor collision and refusing to provide a breath sample at the police station. The incident exposed the presence of half a bottle of vodka inside his vehicle, a court heard.
Heaven, from Nocks Avenue, Erdington, has received a 24-month community order and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work. Magistrates warned him that if he drives during the upcoming three years, he could face imprisonment.
He pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including failing to provide a specimen for analysis, driving without valid tax, driving without a full view, and operating a vehicle with insufficient tyre tread. Magistrates noted his remorse and early guilty plea, which influenced their decision to avoid custody.
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The June 16 incident began when police responded to a low-level road traffic collision. Officers found Heaven’s vehicle untaxed and sensed intoxication based on his behavior. While he initially refused a roadside breath test, he later complied but subsequently refused to provide a specimen at the station despite being asked six times.
Prosecutor Miss Ellis emphasized the increased risk due to the collision and the half bottle of vodka found in the car. Defense lawyer Mr. Murria acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but highlighted Heaven’s remorse and efforts to move past a recent relationship breakdown.