A Devon man has appeared in court after failing to provide a breath test.
Irvine Mhangami, 38, of Altamira, Topsham, pleaded guilty to failing to co-operate with officers conducting a breath test when he appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
On June 4 last year, officers observed a blue Ford Focus parked in Altamira, Topsham. The defendant was on the driver’s side with the seat fully reclined with a can of lager in his hand.
Mhangami refused to provide a preliminary breath test, telling officers he had asthma. When they advised him that they could still carry out the test, he replied: “I would die”.
The defendant has no previous convictions.
Mhangami, a self-employed care worker, apologised for the offence.
Sentencing, District Judge Smith said: “Police had good reason to ask you to provide a breath test. They were concerned about the number of cans in the vehicle.”
Mhangami was fined £260, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £104 and court costs of £85.
- This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.
