24-05-2025
Bagillt drink-driver collided with vehicle at McDonald's
Ben Renshaw, of Cannon Drive in Bagillt, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon.
The 32-year-old admitted that on May 3 this year, he drove a Ford Focus at McDonald's car park in Flint after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.
Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright told the court that at around 9.30pm on the day in question, Renshaw's car hit the back of another vehicle in the McDonald's Drive thru.
The complainant got out of his vehicle to see what had happened, and noted the defendant's vehicle was touching his own "bumper to bumper."
Initially Renshaw denied the collision had taken place and said he hadn't been driving.
But the police were called, after which he did confirm he'd driven into the back of the other vehicle.
A preliminary breath test resulted in his arrest and in custody, he provided an evidential sample of 104 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - almost three times the legal limit of 35.
A probation officer told the court: "He said he'd been to a friend's that day. It was a sunny day so they decided to have a few cans of beer.
"He'd had five or six but he was drinking on an empty stomach. He accepts he took the stupid risk of going to the local McDonald's to get some food.
"He accidentally bumped his car into the other vehicle and said 'I didn't realise until that moment just how drunk I was'.
"Looking back, he felt awful about the incident.
Renshaw leaving court after being sentenced (Staff) (Image: Staff) "He understood he could have potentially have hurt himself or others and believed he drank more alcohol than intended because it was warm and sunny.
"He works at a local factory and the (mandatory) driving ban will impact his ability to get to work.
Elzbeth Kenny, defending, said: "He's been of exemplary behaviour until the age of 32.
"Speaking to him, I genuinely believe this is a glitch and hopefully a one-off offence.
"In anticipation of not being represented today, he prepared a reference [for the court].
"It reads: I take full responsibility for what I did - I completely understand how serious is it and it's not something I'll ever do again."
Renshaw outside court (STAFF) (Image: Staff) Ms Kenny said in her client's statement, he stated his intention to "speak openly with friends and family" about his offence in order to help others learn from his experience.
"He doesn't have any issues with alcohol on a daily basis," she added.
"This was purely a recreational drink with friends."
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The Magistrates banned the defendant from driving for 24 months and warned him not to be tempted to get behind the wheel before the disqualification has been completed.
Renshaw received a 12 month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.
He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
