Pub boss Sean Portass fled from an unmarked police vehicle pursuing him in Long Sutton because he had received a death threat and “assumed the worst”.
Portass (42) had no idea it was a police vehicle and fled for his own safety, magistrates heard. He had had problems in the months leading up to that day with criminal damage at the pub and death threats.
His solicitor, Rachel Stevens, said Portass was somewhat frustrated with the police and there was an incident in which he was sure there was CCTV footage – but when he asked police about it he was told the officer concerned was going on holiday and would be back within a fortnight.
Portass, of Lime Walk, Long Sutton, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis when required by police on September 23.
Miss Stevens said he had received a death threat that particular morning and when a black, unmarked police vehicle began following him he “assumed the worst”.
She said he ran into his pub, The Granary, fearing for his own safety.
Miss Stevens said Portass was feeling extremely bloody-minded towards police to the point where he just said “no comment”, refused to blow into the roadside machine and refused to blow into the intoxilyzer at the police station.
“He has completely shot himself in the foot by his actions and he is adamant he wasn’t drunk,” she said.
Edward Johnson, prosecuting, withdrew a charge that Portass failed to stop when required by police.
Mr Johnson said police started to follow Portass after seeing his vehicle leave The Granary at about 11.40pm.
They attempted to stop him and were behind him for about eight minutes while his vehicle journeyed around and returned to The Granary.
He got out, ran inside the pub and the police followed.
Mr Johnson said officers could smell intoxicants on Portass, his eyes were glazed and red, and the officers “formed the view that he was drunk”.
They requested a roadside test and he refused despite being warned about the consequences.
He also refused the intoxilyzer test at Boston Police Station and was “awkward” and “difficult” with officers.
Portass was banned from driving for 18 months, fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 costs with a £15 victim surcharge.
He can cut four months off the ban if he completes a rehabilitation course.