A TAXI driver who claimed a 'respiratory problem' prevented him from providing a breath sample to police has been banned from the roads.

Robert O'Neill, 60, repeatedly had the case against him adjourned in court for medical tests to be carried out which he hoped would clear him.

But he was finally forced to admit that he failed without reasonable excuse to give an alcohol reading at Greenock police office five months ago.

His lawyer, Gerry Keenan, confirmed to the town's sheriff court: "There was no definitive diagnosis of any respiratory problem."

O'Neill provided a roadside specimen of his breath at tea-time on October 17 which showed that he was more than twice the limit.

However, two further samples must be logged on an intoximeter machine at the station in order to prosecute drink-driving cases.

Fiscal depute Lindy Scaife said: "The accused had come to the attention of police due to the nature of his driving.

"At the police office he provided a first specimen on the machine, however, when asked to provide a second sample he blew hard at first, then paused and then continued blowing."

The court was told that the police gave O'Neill a number of opportunities to complete the breath test.

Solicitor Mr Keenan said: "This case was subject to various adjournments on defence motion for medical information to see if a reasonable excuse could be substantiated.

"His position is that he did not deliberately not provide, but he has no reasonable excuse.

"He doesn't know why he was unable to provide on the second occasion.

"For the past 13 years he has been employed as a taxi driver.

"He knows as a result of the disposal of this case that he will no longer be able to work in that capacity."

Sheriff Daniel Kelly banned O'Neill, whose address was not given in court, from driving for 15 months and fined him £300.

The sheriff allowed him the opportunity to take part in a drink-drive rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, would reduce his period of disqualification to 12 months.