Drunk worker crashed firm's car into house

A 21-year-old garage worker borrowed a car from his workplace without permission and crashed it into a house while he was drunk at the wheel.

Ben Davies, of no fixed abode, took a Range Rover from the Ford showrooms on the A38 near Felton and used it to taxi his friends around the Bristol area, Bristol Crown Court heard.

He admitted aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop for an accident and possessing an offensive weapon.

Giving him a suspended prison sentence and two-year driving ban, Judge David Ticehurst said: "You could have been killed, other passengers could have been killed, other innocent people could have been killed.

"It's an extremely foolish thing that you have done. Not only is it foolish, it's extremely dangerous."

Prosecuting, John Mannion said at about 10pm on September 24, Davies went to the George and Dragon pub in Stanshalls Lane, Felton, for a drink.

Then he went to the Ford garage on nearby Bridgwater Road, where he worked and lodged.

He took the keys to a Range Rover and drove it to the Rising Sun pub in Backwell to meet his friend, a Mr Ashley.

When he was at this pub, the court heard another friend Josie Wedlake sent him a text asking him to pick her up from a nightclub in Bristol city centre.

Davies and Mr Ashley parked up, went to a casino, then picked up Miss Wedlake at 2am, before driving to McDonald's in Bedminster. But on the way Davies lost control of the 4x4 and crashed into the front of a house in West Street, causing significant damage to both the house and the car.

The trio ran off but were arrested by police, and Davies admitted everything. A breath-test found he was twice over the drink-drive limit.

When officers searched the car they found a black baton which separated into two swords.

Mitigating, Jonathan Stanniland said: "He immediately admitted his prominent role."

Mr Stanniland said it was a "breach of trust with a twist" because Miss Wedlake was related to the Wedlake brothers who owned the Ford showroom. He said she had suggested Davies borrow one of the cars as there wasn't enough petrol in his own.

"Bravado" also played its part, Mr Stanniland added.

Davies, who now has a job at a garage in Bristol, said he had found the offensive weapon in the George and Dragon car park, but had not intended to use it.

Judge Ticehurst sentenced Davies to a one-year prison sentence, suspended for a year. He was disqualified from driving for two years and must go on alcohol awareness and driving courses.