A MAN who enabled a suspected drug driver to escape from police has been fined.

Jonathan Benbow, of Meliden Road in Dyserth, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

The 32-year-old admitted that on February 6, on the A5151 at Trelawnyd in Flintshire, he wilfully obstructed a police officer in the execution of his duty.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told the court that on the day of the offence, police received a call about a possible drug driver.

They sighted the vehicle in question, which came to a stop of its own accord at a petrol station in Trelawnyd.

Benbow got out of the passenger side of the vehicle, and as he was being spoken to by one of the officers, the driver got out and ran away.

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The officer then left Benbow to get back into his own vehicle and pursue the suspected drug driver.

But Benbow stood in front of the police car, preventing the officer from leaving.

He was told to move and the officer attempted to manoeuvre out of the petrol station forecourt.

Benbow ran and put his hands on the bonnet - blocking the way again.

As a result, the suspect escaped.

Gary Harvey, defending, told the court: "He (Benbow) wasn't driving and hadn't done anything wrong - I'm not sure the other person had either."

"Mr Benbow is a married man with children and is an electrician.

The Leader:

"On this particular evening, he did his normal work and went out for a drink.

"He accepts he drank to excess and didn't help the police at all.

"He finds himself in court today losing his good character."

The Magistrates fined Benbow £350 for the offence and ordered him to pay a £140 victim surcharge, as well as £85.