A ROOF tiler says he had a “moment of madness” when he refused to consent to a blood test after undergoing a roadside drugs swipe.

Essex Police were carrying out routine patrols in Brightlingsea when they stopped a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Thomas Hughes.

Sharon Hall, prosecuting at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, said Hughes was stopped in North Road, at a “drug hotspot”.

“They noticed a vehicle coming the opposite direction and pulled it over as part of a routine stop,” he said.

“They said his pupils were dilated and eyes bloodshot.

“A drugs swipe test came back positive for cocaine and so he was arrested.

“He was asked to provide a sample of blood, but refused.

“He was then reminded he could be prosecuted for failure to provide a sample, but still refused.”

Hughes, of Rowan Place, Colchester, admitted a charge of failing to provide a sample of blood.

Representing himself, he said: “It was just a moment of madness, I just messed up.

“I won’t have a job.

“I did what I did, I messed up and I’ve just got to get on with it.”

Magistrates ordered Hughes to pay £790 in fines and court costs and was banned from driving for 18 months.