Drink Driver Was Flirting with Female Police Officer

SUSPECTED drink-driver Eduardo Coelho was flirtatious with a female police officer on the night he failed to give a breath test. He was jovial and laughing, he tried to be flirtatious in a drunken manner, PC Rachel Loveridge told magistrates. He said w

SUSPECTED drink-driver Eduardo Coelho was flirtatious with a female police officer on the night he failed to give a breath test.

"He was jovial and laughing, he tried to be flirtatious in a drunken manner," PC Rachel Loveridge told magistrates.

"He said we were pretty girls, and I explained to him that this was a very serious matter, and it was important for him to provide the test."

But despite three attempts at blowing into the machine, Coelho failed to give a sufficient test within the three minutes allowed.

At an earlier hearing, 59-year-old Coelho, of John Beckett Court, Ely, denied failing to provide a specimen of breach on February 10.

But he failed to attend his trial at Ely courthouse on Thursday, and was convicted in his absence.

PC Loveridge said Coelho was followed as he drove home, and stumbled out of his car. He failed a roadside breath test, and was arrested.

At Parkside Police Station, Coelho used an interpreter service over the phone, although he had shown no difficulty in understanding earlier, said PC Loveridge.

"He seems insulted and frustrated about using the language line," she added, "He said I have lived here for years, and speak the language."

Coelho was warned he could be prosecuted if he failed to give the test, and gave no medical reason for not completing it.

A warrant was issued for Coelho's arrest.