A DRIVING case was thrown out of court yesterday – as the police failed to provide enough evidence to prosecutors.

Pavandeep Rana, 30, was due before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon to answer allegations she failed to provide a specimen after being stopped on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and was driving a Mercedes A class on Wootton Bassett Road on Christmas Day last year without valid insurance.

Prosecutor James Burnham asked the district judge to put the case back for a month, complaining that the police had provided him “with no evidence whatsoever”.

He said Rana had been unable to provide a specimen of breath at the police station as she had asthma and could not provide a blood sample as she had a needle phobia.

Despite her raising that defence at the police station, the officer handling the case had indicated in paperwork that there would be a likely guilty plea when the case came before the court. Key statements had not been provided to the Crown Prosecution Service, the court heard.

Mr Burnham said: “It’s just not acceptable. [Rana] attended court today expecting the case to at least make progress.” He added that he was embarrassed by the case, saying the police had “dropped the ball”.

Rana, of Welbeck Close, Park North, pleaded not guilty to failing to provide a specimen and driving without insurance.

Charlotte Frizzell, defending, opposed the application to adjourn the case. She said there should have been a full file ready for the court hearing.

Mr Burnham formally offered no evidence. District Judge Joanna Dickens told the defendant: “The charge is going to be dismissed. That’s the end of it.”