Three year ban for Telford driver who was over the limit
A Telford man has been handed a three-year driving disqualification after being caught behind the wheel while over the alcohol limit and without a valid licence.
Dean Behnke, 55, of Teagues Crescent, Trench, appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court on 25 February 2026 to face multiple charges following an incident in the Overdale area last year.
The court heard that on 21 October 2025, Behnke was driving a silver Mazda MX5 on Hill Road. When tested, he was found to have 41 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Further enquiries revealed that Behnke was also driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. Documents presented to the court stated he had “never re-applied for a driving licence following a previous ban from driving.” Additionally, he was found to be using the vehicle without the required third-party insurance.
Behnke entered guilty pleas to all charges, which the magistrates took into account during sentencing. For the lead offence of drink driving, he was issued a:
- Three-year driving disqualification
- Community order lasting until February 2027, including a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 10 days.
- Fine of £80.
He was further ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. The court approved a collection order allowing these totals to be paid in monthly instalments of £20 starting in March.
While his driving record was endorsed for the offences of driving without a licence and without insurance, no separate financial penalties were issued for those specific counts.
