A FARMER who was pulled up in his vehicle in Skipton as part of a random DVLA check tested positive for cannabis.

He was taken to Harrogate Police Station where he refused to provide a blood sample for the evidential test, heard Skipton Magistrates Court today (Friday).

David Jordan, 44, was on his way to Clitheroe on November 30 when he was pulled over in the Skipton area at about 9.30am, the court heard.

His vehicle had a number of defects and as part of the process, he was tested for alcohol, which was negative, but a drugs wipe was positive for cannabis.

He was arrested and taken to Harrogate Police Station where he however refused to provide a blood sample, saying it made him nervous, the court was told.

He was given the statutory warning, but repeated his refusal after which a doctor looked at his record and saw he had given a blood sample in 2023, concluding there was no reason why he could not provide a specimen of blood.

In mitigation, Ibrar Hussain, said Jordan had never smoked cannabis in his life and had a genuine fear of going to both the doctors and dentists.

Mr Hussain said while waiting at the side of the road for his vehicle to be checked, Jordan had used a cannabis vape pen.

He accepted he did have a blood test in 2023, but that was because he was being tested for cancer, said Mr Hussain.

He added: "He says he dreads going to the doctor and also has multiple issues about going to the dentist. It is a fear that he has dealt with in his own way, but there is nothing to substantiate that."

Mr Hussain said a driving ban would impact Jordan greatly as his farm was four miles from the nearest shop.

Jordan, of Lands Bank, Bishop Auckland, admitted failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He was banned from driving for 14 months, fined £115 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £46.