A RYDE father-of-two refused to answer police questions or provide a sample for analysis after being suspected of drink-driving.

Martin Cooper, of Barfield, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (September 21).

The 34-year-old admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis on September 4.

Prosecutor, Liam Hunter, told the court at around 11.55pm, police had been out on patrol near the LA Bowl car park in Ryde.

He said a car was seen to miss a speed bump and go down a raised kerb.

Officers stopped the vehicle and its driver, Cooper, was seen to stumble out of the vehicle.

Mr Hunter said a strong smell of alcohol was noted and Cooper provided a roadside sample.

After he was taken to Newport Police Station, Mr Hunter said Cooper became angry and tearful.

His behaviour was described as erratic, and Mr Hunter said Cooper refused to provide a specimen for analysis or answer police questions.

Mr Hunter said Cooper's last conviction was in 2011 ­— also an excess alcohol offence.

Henry Farley, defending, said Cooper was very remorseful, and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He said he was truly ashamed to find himself in court.

Mr Farley said Cooper left his house two hours before he was stopped by police, taking a duvet and beer, and planned to sleep in his car on the seafront after a row at home.

He said he was moving his car to a different spot and made a hash of the manoeuvre when officers spotted him.

Mr Farley noted a refreshing lack of self-pity in him.

Cooper was given a 12-month community order to include 250 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for 36 months and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.