A driver crashed into five cars in an Ipswich road and refused to have a blood sample after two accidents in three days because of a needle phobia, a court heard.

Samuel Wilson, of Avocet Lane, Martlesham, pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to failing to provide a blood specimen on August 19 and August 21.

The 21-year-old also admitted careless driving in Finchley Road on August 21.

Prosecutor Ian Allen said the August 19 offence occurred after an accident was reported to police by other emergency services.

Wilson, who had been driving a Honda Civic, was breath-tested and a drug swipe was taken. Both proved negative.

However, he failed an impairment test.

A quantity of tablets was found in the vehicle, for which Wilson later received a caution for possessing a Class C drug, the court heard.

Wilson was taken to Martlesham police investigation centre but refused a blood test saying he was scared of needles, despite having inoculations before going to India last year.

He told officers his Honda had suffered a blow-out on two of the vehicle’s tyres, causing it to stop.

Mr Allen said two days later Wilson was involved in a series of accidents with parked cars in Finchley Road.

Five vehicles were damaged at around 4am after Wilson’s Honda Civic struck another car’s wing mirror, causing him to overcorrect and hit other vehicles.

Residents and car owners heard the impact and went outside to find out what had happened.

After Wilson was arrested a drug test showed he had cocaine in his system.

Yet again he refused a blood test citing a fear of needles.

The court heard Wilson told police: “All I had to drink was Snakebite. I went inside a house and had a line of cocaine.”

Mr Allen said: “He said he was subsequently sworn at by neighbours and then the police turned up.”

Mark Holt, representing Wilson, said his client is currently living in supported housing in Felixstowe away from the family home.

Wilson had been taking prescribed anti-anxiety medication, but had stopped doing so before the accidents.

The court heard Wilson, a student, was genuine in his concern about needles, but this was undermined by the inoculations he had last year for his trip to India.

It was said he took cocaine after the crash in Finchley Road.

Mr Holt said: “His anxiety is right through the roof at this stage. He then consumes cocaine at a friend’s address.”

Wilson was disqualified from driving for 15 months and ordered to pay a £250 fine, £100 costs and £30 to the victims’ fund.