Drug driver sentenced following collision in Denbighshire

A drug driver has been sentenced following a road traffic collision which took place in Denbighshire earlier this year.

20-year-old Harry Rigby of Walton Heath Road, Walton, Warrington appeared before Mold Crown Court yesterday (Thursday) after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and drug driving.

Three people were injured following the collision, which happened on the B5104 at Bryneglwys in Denbighshire on May 10^th and involved a Vauxhall Corsa being driven by Rigby who overtook on a blind bend and collided with a white BMW car.

Rigby was sentenced to 14 months in a Young Offender’s institution which was suspended for two years. He was fined £2,500 and must pay £150 towards costs and a £187 statutory surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for 42 months and must take an extended test before he can drive again.

PC Dylan Smith of the Roads Crime Unit said: “Rigby was extremely lucky not to have caused a fatality that day due to his dangerous and reckless driving.

“Choosing to drive whilst impaired by drugs is dangerous and unacceptable. We are committed to making the roads safer and have a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which includes drug driving.

“It is very sad that a small number of motorists still feel they can behave in a totally reckless manner when they take to the roads.   People who drive in this manner are taking their lives and the lives of others into their own hands.

He added: “Our Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive campaign is well underway and our teams are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone caught driving under the influence can expect to be arrested and put before the courts.”

Anybody with information about anyone they suspect to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can contact North Wales Police via the website  Contact us | North Wales Police or by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.

Alternatively contact can be made via Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

Notes:

• So far this year North Wales Police have made 1,201 drug drive arrests and 815 drink drive arrests.
• In 2024 the force made 1,146 drug drive arrests and 838 drink drive arrests.