A Devonshire man who fled police while leaving his driver’s licence behind was banned from the roads last week during an appearance in Magistrates’ Court.

Aaron Moniz, 37, pleaded guilty to a charge that he refused a request to provide police with a breath sample in an incident on January 10.

The court heard that at about 11.50pm police were performing checks at the junction of Tamarind Vale and Middle Road in Warwick when they signalled for an approaching car to stop.

However, the car drove past onto Tamarind Vale and sped away, causing the officers to give chase.

The officers followed the vehicle, which turned onto Harbour Road without stopping and continued to Burnt House Drive, where the driver got out and fled on foot, leaving the car to roll backwards into a wall.

Officers noticed Moniz’s driver’s licence was still in the vehicle, along with a cup of brown liquid smelling of alcohol.

The officers searched the area and found Moniz, who they said readily admitted that he had been drinking.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired, and refused a request to provide a sample of breath.

Moniz allegedly told the officers: “I have had more than a few drinks. I know I won’t pass.”

After pleading guilty, Moniz apologised for his actions, adding that he had not been drinking as much as the summary of the case suggested but believed that one or two drinks would be enough to fail the test.

He said: “I just want to apologise for my actions and for me not stopping. I just saw my whole life flash before my eyes.”

Magistrate Maria Sofianos referred the matter to the DUI court programme, banning Moniz from driving all vehicles until further order from the court.

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