Moray man caught driving in Kinloss while in possession of cocaine refused to give blood sample

A man who refused to give a blood sample after being suspected of driving while under the influence of cocaine has been disqualified.

At around 4.10am on July 4 last year, police received a call for concern for a male driving in the Easter Road area of Kinloss.

When they arrived, 44-year-old Ryan Duncan was found within the vehicle with officers suspecting he had consumed drugs or alcohol.

The Forres resident was arrested and searched by the officers who found a small bag containing 3.2 grams of cocaine estimated to be worth between £170 and £200.

After being taken to Kittybrewster Police Station in Aberdeen, Duncan refused to comply with standard procedures telling officers “I don’t like needles” when they attempted to take a blood sample.

Defence solicitor Megan Lee told Elgin Sheriff Court that her client was going through a difficult period in his life at the time of the incident.

She apologised to the court on his behalf but said that his circumstances have “entirely changed” for the better and he has no further addiction issues.

Sheriff David Harvie disqualified Duncan from driving for a period of one year. He also ordered him to pay a fine of £500.