A ROOFER could face financial ruin after being banned from driving, a court heard.

Morgan Harrison, 33, from Hutchinson Close, Coundon, Bishop Auckland, admitted a charge of failing to provide a specimen when he was pulled over in Shildon for suspected drink-driving.

He was banned from driving for three years when he appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe this week.

Lorna Rimell, prosecuting, said he refused to provide a sample in the police station after failing a roadside breath test.

“PC Jackson said he could smell cannabis and a strong smell of beer on the defendant’s breath. The defendant said he feared a long driving ban.

“It appears to have been a deliberate refusal rather than any specific reason.”

The court heard Harrison needed his car for work as a roofer and had a mortgage to pay and he was concerned about his financial future as he was in debt. Magistrates banned him for three years and he was ordered to pay £395 in fines, costs and a victim surcharge.