'It's never worth the risk': Heartbroken Shropshire parents' emotional drink-drive plea after son's killer is sentenced
The family of a teenage motorcyclist killed by a drink driver have pleaded with people not to drink and drive.
Mark and Vicky Worrall, parents of Benjamin Worrall, were speaking outside Shrewsbury Crown Court today (Friday) after the man who killed their son was sentenced.
Danny Francis, of Knockin, was jailed for seven years after he admitted causing the death of 17-year-old Ben by dangerous driving, and causing serious injury to Nathan Fountain by dangerous driving.
Mr Worrall delivered the statement, in which he implored people not to take the risk of drink driving - particularly over the festive period.
He also spoke of the impact of the lengthy wait for justice, with Francis initially pleading not guilty, and only accepting his guilt in September of this year.
Mr Worrall said: "Just over two years ago on the first of October, 2023, our beloved son Benjamin, returning from a day of riding his motorbike, was killed by a drunk driver.
"His riding buddy Nathan has been left with serious, life-altering injuries after the vehicle also collided with him.
"The driver, Danny Francis, and his passenger fled the scene straight away; they did not stop to help our son, or Nathan.
"Benjamin was just 17 years old and beginning his adult life, he was training and working as a bricklayer, loved his motorbike and starting his life with his new girlfriend, and said he could not wait to see how life could get better than this.
"We have been robbed of the opportunity to watch Ben become the wonderful man we knew he would be. There was a hole ripped into our family that nothing can repair.
"The last two years have been the hardest and saddest of our lives, however it has been overshadowed waiting for this court case.
"Mr Francis, we feel, has controlled the length of this case for two years. Instead of taking responsibility for his drunken actions and even with the condemning evidence of his behaviour that night he pleaded not guilty.
"Today's sentencing has finally given us some justice, although not representative of losing a life and serious injuries - but it will helpfully enable us as a family to continue in Ben's memory.
"We would like to thank everyone from West Mercia Police, especially Detective Constable Rich Owen and his team and the emergency services for their dedication and hard work in everything they have done.
"We hope today sends a strong message to anyone who drinks and drives or may consider getting behind the wheel of a vehicle this Christmas after having a drink.
"Because the message is simple: it is not okay to drink and drive, your actions can have a devastating impact on the lives of many others. The actions of Mr Francis that night not only impacted our life, but those of everyone who knew and loved Ben.
"We were robbed of watching Ben grow into a man, we were robbed of more time with our son and Ben was taken from us all because of [Francis's] selfish decision to drive that night, knowing he was over the limit.
"Our advice is if you are out drinking, please plan how you are getting home. Book a taxi, arrange a lift, or don't drink alcohol if you are planning on driving. It is never worth the risk under the influence of alcohol."