An Essex drug driver who refused to provide a blood sample for analysis has been banned from the roads.

Abdul Miah, of Cross Road, Maldon was stopped in his vehicle by police in Main Road, Boreham on October 14 last year after they smelt cannabis.

The 29-year-old tested positive for cannabis following a roadside saliva swab, and was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

He was later charged with failing to provide a specimen when required to do so after he refused to give a blood sample in custody.

Miah pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on March 6, 2018.

He was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay a £500 fine and £200 court costs.

Adam Pipe, Essex Police casualty reduction manager, said: “Roadside drug testing swabs mean we are better equipped than ever to detect drug drivers.

“If you take drugs and get behind the wheel it is only a matter of time before you are caught and put before the courts.”