A Cumbrian rally driver has again been suspended from all sport - this time for eight years - after failing to provide a a drug sample to doping bosses.

Paul Bird - who is based at Langwathby near Penrith - was asked to provide an in-competition sample following the Rallynuts Stages (Seven Valley Stages) Rally in Builth Wells, Wales on April 14 last year.

According to UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), Bird refused to give the sample before then leaving the venue, despite being informed that this action could result in a sanction.

He also signed a Doping Control Form to confirm his understanding of the consequences of not providing a sample.

Mr Bird - who previously served a two-year ban for testing positive for a benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine) and furosemide (a diuretic) at a rally in 2015 - is also the boss of Paul Bird Motorsport.

The rally driver was one of six selected to provide a sample at the competition and Mr Bird was subsequently charged with a Anti-Doping Rule Violation pursuant to Article 2.3 of the Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) namely, “evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection”.

The case was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) for a hearing.

The panel concluded that Mr Bird did refuse to submit to a sample collection which is in breach of competition rules.

UKAD’s chief executive Nicole Sapstead, said: “It is clear in the anti-doping rules that refusing to provide a sample will be treated as seriously as a failed test.

"Mr Bird was aware of this, having been warned of the consequences by Doping Control Personnel at the time.

“UKAD will always aim to secure the strongest possible sanctions for those who do not adhere to anti-doping procedures; treating the concept of clean sport with complete contempt.”

The ban officially came into force on July 11 and is due to expire on July 10, 2026. At the time Mr Bird was competing in the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association Gold Star Rally Championship.

He is also disqualified from the rally he was competing in.

All results and points will be forfeited along with prize and appearance money.

When approached by the News & Star, representatives of Mr Bird’s team said they would not be commenting at this time.

Mr Bird is also a registered member of the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association.

Before turning to rallying Mr Bird was a former Grand Prix motocross rider until injury forced him to retire.

Bird’s son Frank is also a motorsport driver who competed in the 2018 Formula Renault Eurocup Championship at the infamous Nürburgring track.

Frank struggled in the Paul Bird Motorsport car, suffering a technical problem with the engine in the opening race.