A man from Powys has been sentenced to seven years in prison after causing the death of a teenage motorcyclist while driving under the influence of alcohol in Shropshire.
Danny Francis, 29, of Trewern, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including causing death by careless driving while over the legal alcohol limit and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The collision occurred on 1 October 2023 on the A458 near Rowton Castle. Francis was driving a Range Rover Sport after spending the evening visiting eight licensed premises in the Shrewsbury area. At the time of the incident, it was believed he had consumed 11 pints of cider and a shot of liquor.
The court heard that Francis was returning home to Powys with a passenger at approximately 11:15pm when he lost control of the vehicle. The Range Rover crossed into the opposite carriageway and struck two motorcycles head-on. One rider, 17-year-old Ben Worrall, died at the scene despite attempts by members of the public to administer first aid. The second rider sustained serious, life-changing injuries.
Francis left the scene but was located by police the following day. He initially claimed to have consumed only one pint of cider. Toxicology tests later confirmed he was significantly over the legal alcohol limit.
In addition to the primary charges, Francis also admitted to failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report the incident, and perverting the course of justice.
The sentencing judge imposed a custodial sentence of seven years. No details of any disqualification from driving were provided in the publicly available report.
Police said the vehicle had, at one point during the evening, carried up to seven occupants, despite being a five-seater.
Detective Constable Richard Owen, of West Mercia Police, stated that Francis’s actions were “selfish” and resulted in devastating consequences for two families.
Ben Worrall was described by his family as a devoted son, brother, and friend with a strong interest in motorcycles.
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Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
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