Drunk charity van driver banned from driving after crash
A charity van driver was twice the drink drive limit when he crashed into barriers at a landmark viaduct.
Police later stopped Joshua Edwards, 27, as he walked in the countryside – but he claimed he was simply out walking after an argument with his partner.
Officers established that he was the driver of the crashed Ford Transit and he blew an alcohol reading of 70 milligrammes, compared to the legal limit of 30.
Edwards of Park Avenue in Oswestry, appeared from custody at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court at Mold and admitted drink driving..
He was banned from driving for 17 months, fined £120 with £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.
Prosecutor Justin Espie said that a witness was cycling to work at 4am when he came across the Transit which he said had hit barriers at the viaduct near Chirk.
Police were alerted and they saw a man walking towards Oswestry.
Argument
It was the defendant who at that stage said that he was simply walking after an argument with his partner.
But, it became apparent that he had been the driver, he provided a positive roadside breath test and was arrested.
Defending solicitor Christie Ankers-Phillips said that her client had a little bit of an argument with his girlfriend and decided to leave the property.
He got into the van which he used for charity work for a charity in Oswestry delivering furniture and the like.
The defendant appreciated that in view of the inevitable ban he would not be able to do that and was very disappointed with himself.
Ms Ankers-Phillips added that Edwards was not currently working but was actively seeking employment and she asked magistrates to impose to least ban in the circumstances.
He was referred to a drink driving rehabilitation course which if successfully completed will reduce his ban by a third.
