‘Reckless’ driver speeds near crowd as police label his actions ‘sheer stupidity’

A disqualified drink driver has been jailed for speeding near large groups of people at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. Exhall’s Ben Mooney has been criticized for his “sheer stupidity” after drove “recklessly” at Silverstone.

Police observed a green and yellow John Deere utility vehicle being driven at “excessive speeds” near where a large number of people were sitting on Saturday, July 6, at approximately 11 p.m. Officers detained the driver, who turned out to be 31-year-old Ben Mooney.

Mooney was working at the prestigious motorsport event for a third-party food vendor when he was arrested on suspicion of driving while over the drink-drive limit, Northamptonshire Police said. He was later charged after blowing 43 micrograms of alcohol, the legal limit being 35 mg.

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Officers discovered Mooney was already disqualified from driving until the end of February 2025, leading to the 31-year-old being charged with driving while disqualified. He was also found with a small bag of cocaine in his possession and was further arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug.

Mooney, of Coventry Road in Exhall, pleaded guilty to all three offenses as well as using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance at Northampton Magistrates’ Court. He was sentenced to a total of 18 weeks in prison, given an extended driving ban of four years and nine months and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.

PC Scott Kimberley, from the road policing team, said: “Driving at excessive speed near large crowds is dangerous and reckless, however, knowingly doing so when you are unlicensed and over the prescribed alcohol level to drive is just pure stupidity.

“We see the devastating effects of those who have a complete disregard for the penalties imposed by the courts and continue to drive after being disqualified. It is also extremely disappointing to see that there are still people who choose to use our roads illegally and irresponsibly.

“Ben Mooney has already had his driving license revoked because his standard of driving put himself and others at risk. Driving this vehicle at excessive speed near a large crowd of people while under the influence of alcohol not only showed a real disregard for the authorities, it was also selfish, dangerous and irresponsible.”

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