An Isle of Wight delivery driver, who refused to take a drink-drive test and answer police questions, said he put his behaviour down to watching too many police-based TV shows.

Zachary Fever-Norton, of Alexandra Road, Cowes, admitted failing to provide a breath or blood alcohol specimen for analysis.

On December 22, 2023, during the early hours, police were called to a collision involving a BMW, in Shalfleet.

Officers found the 29-year-old beside his car, smelling of alcohol, unsteady on his feet, court was told.

Fever-Norton had crashed into a road sign, which spun his BMW around, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Fever-Norton did a roadside breath test, provisionally blowing a 76 microgrammes reading — over double the drink-drive limit.

Following his arrest, he refused to comply with the alcohol-breath test procedure, repeatedly telling officers: "I would like to speak to a solicitor first."

Fever-Norton, with no previous convictions, gave 'no comment' responses to officers when questioned, court heard.

For Fever-Norton, Barry Arnett said by being convicted, his client lost his job. 

When asked by Mr Arnett why he refused to comply with the police procedure, Fever-Norton told him: "Perhaps I've been watching too much TV."

Fever-Norton was banned from driving for 20 months, with a year's probation, to include 240 hours' unpaid work, together with £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.