Man in court over Flintshire drug-drive drive death of young dad

A man appeared in court charged with killing a young dad while on drugs.

Lee Bennison, 33, who had only recently become a father, was killed on the A541.

He was on his motorbike when he was hit between Mold and Pontblyddin. Paul Mayor, 45, was said to to have benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in his blood.

He appeared at Mold magistrates court this morning charged with death by careless driving, and gave no indication of how he would plead.

His solicitor Simon Simons said that an expert’s report was awaited and no indication of plea could be given at this stage.

Mayor, of Torrington Drive in Knowsley, Merseyside, was granted unconditional bail pending a plea and trial preparation hearing at Mold Crown Court on May 26.

Family of the late Mr Bennison were present for the hearing and magistrates extended their condolences, saying it must be a harrowing time for them.

Mr Bennison, 33, formerly of Rhyl , lived at Bronallt in Leeswood near Mold .

He and his partner Delyth had a baby son Osian.

A statement released by Mr Bennison’s family at the time of the tragedy said: “Lee was a talented furniture maker, who worked hard to support and look after his family.

“Tragically taken from us at such a young age, his whole family are devastated by the loss of Lee and life will never be the same without him.”

The collision happened as Mr Bennison rode his motorcycle from Mold toward Wrexham on September 5.