The mayor of Clun in Shropshire has resigned from his position after being convicted of drink driving following a collision with a cyclist.
Ryan Davies, aged 44, admitted to drink driving in November after an incident in which a cyclist was struck while he was more than twice the legal alcohol limit. Police said the cyclist sustained minor injuries, and a blood test showed Davies was over the permitted limit at the time of the collision.
Davies was fined £3,017 at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court and disqualified from driving for 20 months. The court stated that the length of the ban could be reduced if he completed a drink-driving awareness course.
In a statement published on social media, Davies announced his decision to stand down as mayor. He did not refer directly to the incident but said the role had taken a toll on his personal and professional life. He said he was stepping aside with a “heavy heart” and added that he would continue to support the local community.
Davies had served as mayor for four years and began a second three-year term in May. In his statement, he said he had “enjoyed 99.9% of it” but added that “the last few years have been hard”.
He said the deaths of his mother and grandfather, along with other “life-changing moments”, had taken a “big toll” on his health. He also said his work had suffered due to the demands of the mayoral role.
Reflecting on the start of his second term, Davies said he had thought it might be “perhaps a distraction” but had not anticipated the additional pressure it would place on him.
He thanked residents for what he described as “overwhelming” support and said: “We’ve had Jubilees, proclamations, charity events, visits, other events, a total rollercoaster.” He added that the role “has changed my perception of what goes on in this community”.
Davies described Clun as an “amazing place” and said he intended to continue supporting it. He also referred to online trolls who had made “unsubstantiated comments”, saying this was discouraging people from taking on public roles. He said this had no bearing on his decision to step down but described it as “sad and quite frankly dangerous”.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
