A SELF-employed carpenter was shopped to the police after he drank at an Isle of Wight pub then drove afterwards.

He was immediately caught by police on suspicion of drink-driving, a court was told.

Police were tipped off Raymond Jennings had been drinking considerably at the Fighting Cocks and was about to drive, said Ann Smout, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Officers saw Jennings drive up Watery Lane, near Newchurch, and pulled him over.

Jennings, of Alverstone Road, Newchurch, was co-operative and provided a breath alcohol sample at the roadside.

The reading was 78 microgrammes — more than twice the legal limit of 35.

When arrested, Jennings provided further samples of breath, but the intoximeter malfunctioned, so was asked to provide either a blood or urine sample instead, which he refused, said Mrs Smout.

He told the police he was scared of needles and was unable to give any medical reason why he was unable to provide a urine sample.

Jennings subsequently admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis, on October 2.

The bench was told Jennings was convicted of drink-driving in November 2013.

Mrs Smout said there was no suggestion of substandard driving, but his refusal to provide the sample had been deliberate. 

For Jennings, Amy Hosell said her client was not only scared of needles, but suffers with an anxiety disorder.

"He needs a car, so it is inevitable he won't be able to get to work as a result of the offence," said Miss Hosell.

"He thinks he may have an alcohol issue and is keen for that to be explored by probation."

Magistrates made Jennings subject to an interim driving ban, ordered a report on him and bailed him to reappear for sentencing on November 11.