A Bolton man failed to provide a specimen of breath for police after being seen swerving on the M61.

Officers came across a Renault Megane driving in an unusual manner in September 2022.

Bolton Magistrates' Court heard the car swerved in and out of the hard shoulder and overtook a lorry.

The car went onto the A666 and was temporarily lost by police.

The vehicle was then seen parked up on Frederick Street in Farnworth and police approached the driver, Thomas Calderbank.

Glen Anderton, prosecuting, said: "He was spoken to and officers could smell intoxicant.

"They requested that he provide a roadside sample.

"He cooperated initially before walking away towards the shop.

"He was arrested."

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On the day he was due to go on trial Calderbank pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath specimen.

Jane Shaw, defending, said: "The defendant instructed he had had two cans and had tried his best (to give a sample).

"There is no medical evidence for that and he was advised he was at risk of conviction on his own evidence.

"There are issues with the police from a traumatic incident."

Ms Shaw said he was losing his ability to pick up work from not being able to drive and was relying on public transport.

Chair of the bench Karen Martin placed him on a community order to last for a year.

Calderbank, 40, of Seymour Road, Astley Bridge, was ordered to attend at 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and to past costs of £310.

He was also banned from the roads for 17 months.

The chair told him: "If you are caught driving it will be a much more serious offence."

Calderbank replied: "I have already got rid of my car."