Bermuda Democratic Alliance founding member Sean Pitcher was given a one-year driving ban after he admitted refusing to give a sample of breath to Police.

The 47-year-old was also handed an $800 fine and ten demerit points.

The former UBP chairman was arrested on July 30 while driving along Kindley Field Road in St. George's.

Prosecutor Larisssa Burgess told Magistrates' Court that officers travelling west at 12.05 a.m. saw a car driving on Longbird Bridge, headed into St. George's.

The driver reached the roundabout and did not give way. Instead, he cut across the Police car forcing the officer to slam brakes to avoid a crash.

Officers stopped the car on Kindley Field Road.

Ms Burgess told the court: "Officers detected a strong smell of intoxicants coming from his breath and his speech was slurred as he spoke. On stepping out of the vehicle, the defendant was unsteady on his feet and his eyes were bloodshot."

When asked if he had been drinking, Pitcher said: "Yes, I had a glass of wine."

The Mount Road, St. George's resident was arrested and then refused a breathalyser test from Police.

He was taken to the Southside Police Station where he refused the breath test again.

Mark Pettingill, Pitcher's lawyer, said he should have complied with the breath test and he was sorry for his actions.

After sentencing, Pitcher said: "The only thing I am going to say is obviously I made a mistake and I am not going to let my error stop me from making Bermuda a better place as I have been trying for the past 25 years. I have made a mistake which I apologise for."

On Wednesday, the BDA issued its crime platform and pledged to impose a review of drunk driving legislation which could result in a lowering of the alcohol limit and introduction of roadside tests.

In countries such as Germany, the road death rate has been reduced by issuing penalties such as a month's salary for drunk drivers — increasing the deterrent for wealthier people.