Suspected drink-driver crashed into police van in South Yorkshire

Sheffield Magistrates' Court heard on July 31 how Mark Sloan, aged 49, of Fox Street, Kimberworth, Rotherham, admitted failing to provide a sample after police claimed they could smell intoxicants coming from his car following the incident on February 18.

Robert Coyne, prosecuting, said a police officer had been speaking to an ambulance crew member when he heard a loud bang and saw a car being driven by the defendant had collided with the back of his police van.

He added: “The defendant did stop and officers opened the driver’s door and noticed the defendant was covered in blood. He had a head injury not caused by the incident and there was a strong smell of intoxicants coming from the vehicle.

"He was slurring his words and smelled of intoxicants and he was unstable on his feet.”

Mark Bates, defending, said Sloan had a head injury after he had tried to harm himself and before he got into the car he had also taken tablets and alcohol.

He added Sloan had not intended to drive but he had panicked and got into the car.

Mr Bates said the ambulance had been called out to assist Sloan.

Sloan, who has no previous convictions, admitted failing to provide a specimen sample during the course of an investigation.

Magistrates adjourned the case until August 28 to consider a probation service report before sentencing.

Sloan was released on unconditional bail.