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Without reading the sentencing notes I assume because it might have been a first offence, nobody was harmed and the judge thinks that a two year ban plus community service might be an appropriate punishment, within the sentencing guidelines, in these circumstances. That teenager now has a criminal conviction and driving offence against his name that will affect his career for the rest of his life. It's not a nothing punishment. He'll also find himself banned from entering quite a few countries, including the USA.
The other thing to mention is that the kid won't get his license back automatically at the end of the ban, he will be required to do the "extended test" for people returning from bans, which is non trivial to pass.
Opinions will differ, but I don't see that sentence as overly lenient.
Stonehedge-
I don't see that sentence as overly lenient.
I do. He was in charge of a potentially lethal vehicle, so inebriated that he couldn't stop for a highly illuminated building. Bunch of children at a bus stop, group of cyclists out for a ride, no chance.
He's a 19 year old, who has been through the driving test, has access to a car and enough money to go out on the piss. He was charged costs of £85.00 - not exactly punitive.
The thing that got me most though was the overall tone of the article. The jovial title, complete with misspelling - 'He took the drive-thu literally' makes it all seem like a bit of a laugh. At no point do they point out he's a dickhead.
Jingle_Jangle
In just two years, this penis will be allowed to drive again. Why?
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/29/he-took-drive-thru-literally-uk-teenager-crashes-into-mcdonalds