A FORMER army driver who refused a breath test after drunkenly hitting another vehicle in Ulverston has narrowly avoided prison.

Nathan Robert Haughin had fallen on hard times, Furness Magistrates' Court heard today, after the construction firm he worked for went into administration. The 38-year-old, now of Porter Street, Dalton, was homeless and sofa-surfing at the time of the incident on May 29.

Haughin pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and failing to stop after hitting an Audi A3 with his Ford Transit van.

Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told the court the incident took place at 10.40pm. Haughin hit the car then damaged a wall while trying to turn.

After being arrested, Haughin was described as being abusive when refusing to provide a specimen. He said he had been to the pub for four pints of lager, and continued drinking at a friend’s house, but left when his friend got into an argument with his partner.

Miss Amy Watkin, defending, told the court Haughin drank to deal with post traumatic stress disorder, and receives support from the Royal British Legion. The argument reminded him of his own recent relationship breakdown, and he had wanted to avoid it.

Haughin had not realised he had hit the Audi until he drove back, she added. He only refused breath testing because he repeatedly admitted he was drunk.

She said: “He tried to hold his hands up, but didn’t realise that adamantly refusing was actually aggravating of the circumstances. He is usually a very responsible driver and this is highly out of character for him.”

Haughin, who is already serving two community orders of unpaid work, was given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to do 30 days rehabilitation and pay £85 court costs plus a £115 victim surcharge.

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