A tree surgeon who drove his car down a slipway and into the river at Fowey had no recollection of what he had done his solicitor Paul Gallagher told Truro magistrates.

Richard George Graham, 62, of Melvill Road, Falmouth, was treated for hypothermia by paramedics and then taken by ambulance to Treliske Hospital. There he was asked to provide a blood sample for analysis but refused to do so.

Graham pleaded guilty to failing to provide the sample on May 2.

He had previous convictions including one for a similar offence in 2004.

Mr Gallagher told the magistrates Graham had gone to Fowey to see if he could recognize anyone he knew and was also trying to sell some festival tickets.

“He had no idea why his vehicle ended up in the water or anything about being asked for blood”.

The case was adjourned for probation inquiries.