Champagne-Fuelled Van Driver Jailed After Dangerous Joyride
Luxury Tipple and Phone Chats Behind the Wheel
A 27-year-old man sipped Bollinger Champagne and chatted on his phone while driving his work van – and now he’s behind bars. Mason James Cowgill, from Gargrave, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after a reckless cruise along the A65 near Ingleton.
Crash, Dash, and Close Calls
On 7 June last year, Cowgill was caught on in-cab footage drinking bubbly and using his mobile hands-free – often with no hands on the wheel. His van slammed into a stationary car at a junction near B6255/Tatterhorn Lane, causing damage but thankfully no injuries.
After exchanging details with the car driver, Cowgill drove off before the police arrived. He carried on making calls at the wheel and nearly caused another crash.
Fired, Fined, and Disqualified
Following the crash, Cowgill told his boss about the incident. The footage prompted his sacking and a police investigation. On sentencing, he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for 32 months, including an extended retest.
Police Warn: “Lucky He Didn’t Kill Someone”
“Cowgill is lucky he did not kill or seriously injure someone that day,” said PC Babs Parsons.
“His driving was a clear danger, and I’m amazed he didn’t cause more collisions. This wasn’t a momentary slip – he spent a sustained period barely paying attention and losing control of the van.”
“Thanks to the van owner for coming forward with the footage, which helped get this dangerous driver off the road.”
