‘Unusual’ drink driver was shocked to be told he could be jailed over the Shrewsbury incident

Ben Ashley, of Pound Lane, Hanwood, near Shrewsbury, pleaded guilty to drink driving a Ford Fiesta on Deer Road, Shrewsbury, on August 31, 2024.

Prosecutors told Telford Magistrates Court that Ashley was sometimes seen “driving all over the road”. The police stopped him at 8:10 p.m. He failed a roadside test and was given a breath reading of 130 at the police station, even though the limit is 35.

The court was told Ashley, 39, was of good character but was emotional and abusive towards officers.

Deputy District Judge James Hulse told Ashley that the starting point for sentencing was a 12-week prison sentence, which came as a surprise to the defendant.

The judge told Ashley that the reading was “off scale” and almost four times the limit.

He postponed the verdict and requested that a preliminary report be prepared. He said it would consider all options available to the court.

Judge Hulse said he recognized Ashley did not realize the seriousness of the offense. He suggested thinking about getting legal advice.

“I can’t tell you to seek legal advice, but it might be something you would like to do.”

The judge imposed an interim driving ban and set a sentencing hearing at Telford Magistrates Court for November 19.