A MECHANIC who refused to take a breath test after being spotted slumped in his car surrounded by beer cans has been fined.

Liam McShane was handed the £120 fine and a 17-month driving ban by Oxford Magistrates' Court on Monday after admitting failing to provide a specimen of breath on June 12.

Prosecutor Sarah Mackay told the court officers were alerted McShane was slumped over the wheel of his jeep cherokee, parked in Green Lane, Minster Lovell, at 6.50am.

She said police saw the 27-year-old with a can in his hand, hunched over the wheel, with the engine running, and could smell alcohol on his breath.

The prosecutor said officers spotted a number of empty beer cans in the rear footwell and a quarter-empty can near the front of the car.

Ms Mackay said McShane, who works for his family's firm, was arrested after refusing to take the breath test at the roadside.

Jayne Wilkinson, defending, said the defendant was suffering from low mood at the time and decided to go out.

But she said McShane, who had no previous convictions, only started drinking after parking his car.

McShane, of Rose Dene, Burford Road, Minster Lovell, was also ordered to take part in a drink-driving rehabilitation course, pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.