Bus driver convicted of causing death of NI Rangers fan is jailed

The scene of the accident near Bowhouse Prison in Ayrshire in October 2016 A COACH driver who caused the death of a Rangers fan from Northern Ireland in a crash has been jailed for five years.

Ryan Baird (39), from Magheramorne in Co Antrim, a father of twin sons who was engaged to be married, died on October 1, 2016 after the coach he was travelling in overturned at a roundabout in East Ayrshire.

Mr Baird’s brother John said he hoped the sentencing would draw a line under a traumatic period.

The vehicle had 37 passengers on board, including members of Nith Valley Rangers Supporters Club, who were on their way to a match between the club and Partick Thistle at Ibrox Park.

Eighteen others were injured, three seriously, when the vehicle toppled over while approaching the roundabout on the A76 Kilmarnock to Dumfries Road.

Driver Callum Phillips (49), from Dalbeattie, had denied causing death by dangerous driving, but was found guilty last month.

Prosecutors said Phillips lost

Killed: Ryan Baird

control of the vehicle after hitting speeds of up to 73mph on a road where the limit for buses is 50mph.

Phillips was convicted by a jury of causing death and injury by dangerous driving.

Passing sentence at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Judge Lady Stacey told Phillips his driving had fallen “far below the standard required of a careful driver”.

She said: “Your driving caused the death of Ryan Baird. Nothing that this court can do or say can lessen the grief that his family and friends feel at their loss.”

She added: “Of course you did not deliberately mean to endanger your passengers, but you showed a shocking lack of care in your driving.”

The judge also disqualified Phillips from driving or obtaining a licence for five years.

According to the statement, the court heard that Phillips had expressed “genuine remorse” to Mr Baird’s brother and his partner.

His brother John (36) described the sentence as “irrelevant,” saying it “wasn’t going to bring Ryan back”.

“We received a life sentence back on October 1 2016,” John said.

“The whole trial has been very stressful for the family, as well as the people who were travelling on the bus and were injured and had to relive it all giving evidence.

“My dad died on what would have been Ryan’s birthday, just before the verdict was reached, and it’s sad he couldn’t be here to see justice done.

“The family is hoping the verdict will draw a line under it, let them grieve a bit better, and let Ryan rest.”