MOTORIST Clark Garside claimed it was not drink or drugs which led to him being "agitated" but fear after being pulled over by a van full of riot police.

Bury magistrates heard how the 26-year-old was spotted by members of Greater Manchester Police's Tactical Aid Group as he drove through the town centre.

Garside was seen driving towards them with the hood of his jacket up and police were immediately suspicious.

They followed the vehicle, forcing it to pull over.

A breath test was carried out and, even though it produced a zero result, the officers felt that because of Garside's agitated state, he might be under the influence of another substance.

When he was asked to give a sample of blood he told police that he was afraid of needles.

He refused to give some blood but did offer a urine sample so testing could take place.

Garside, of Bury Old Road, Heywood, pleaded guilty to refusing to provide a specimen of blood. The court was told that at an earlier hearing he had been fined for driving without insurance, a licence or an MOT.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and banned from driving for one year.