A MAN declined to give a blood sample at a police station because he is scared of needles, a court heard.

Christopher Parkins, of Bro Clywedog in Ruthin, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.

The 38-year-old admitted that on November 9 last year at St Asaph custody facility, when suspected of having driven a vehicle and having been required to provide a specimen of blood for a laboratory test he failed without reasonable excuse to do so.

Jim Neary, prosecuting, said officers stopped a black Mercedes on the A55 at Old Colwyn.

The driver, Parkins, tested positive for a roadside drugs swipe following which he was taken to the police station.

He was asked several times whether he would consent to provide a sample of blood - to which he answered - "not really," and "I'd rather not."

Asked why, he claimed he was scared of needles, which the officer conducting the proceedings didn't take to be a reasonable explanation.

Ian Barnes, defending, told the court: "The issue is that he maintains he has a fear of needles - that's been present from his childhood.

"We have a report from a psychologist and they have said there was not evidence to support a specified phobia.

"He had smoked cannabis the night prior and has clearly learned a lesson as to the time cannabis stays in your system.

"He accepts he was wrong and his fear impacted on his decision making."

District Judge Gwyn Jones handed Parkins a 12 month community order with an unpaid work requirement of 120 hours.

Parkins was also ordered to pay costs of £120, a victim surcharge of £95 and was disqualified for 20 months.