A HELSTON man who failed to give a specimen of breath to police, admitted he did not blow hard enough.

Robert James Williams, aged 33, of Bulwark Road, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Truro magistrates on Monday.

Prosecutor Alison May said police had responded to reports of someone revving the engine of their vehicle in Olivers Terrace at around 11pm on Saturday, October 12.

Officers couldn't find the vehicle but traced the silver Ford Focus to Williams' house in Bulwark Road.

There they found him sat in the driver's seat, smelling of alcohol and the bonnet of the car was warm.

He told police that he had gone out of his house for a smoke after an argument with his partner.

During the interview process he was described as "agitated and upset" and despite giving a first alcohol reading, he failed to give a second, evidential reading.

When asked by police if he could give a reason for failing to blow a second time, he said: "Not really no, I didn't blow hard enough."

In court, Williams did not have legal representation.

He defended himself, saying that he had had a "horrible few months" after splitting up with his wife.

He said he needed to drive in order to transport his children from where they were now living in Porthleven and also for his job working for a car valeting company in Helston.

On the evening in question, after finishing work he suggested to a colleague that they go to the pub for a drink.

He told magistrates: "It was my fault, I've been a bit silly. I've split up with my wife after ten years and had some hard times in the last few months. Now I'll have to face the consequences for what I did. I am sorry."

Williams was banned from driving for 15 months and fined £300. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.