Ex-Ibrox star’s son blasted by judge over hit-and-run
THE son of Rangers legend Ally McCoist left a pedestrian with a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain after running him over at a pedestrian crossing.
Argyll McCoist, 20, was yesterday blasted by a judge for racing through a red light and striking Stephan Murdoch as the 21-year-old crossed during a green man.
Sheriff Colin Pettigrew branded him “reckless” and “immature” for then driving off in an uninsured £20,000 Audi 1 S Line TDI.
But the Sheriff said he could not jail McCoist because parliament forbids it – as sentencing guidelines state criminals under the age of 21 should only be jailed if there is no viable alternative sentence available.
Last month, McCoist, of Houston, Renfrewshire, admitted driving without insurance and causing serious injury to Mr Murdoch by driving dangerously.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard how Murdoch was rushed to hospital after being struck in the village of Bishopton, on December 3, 2016.
Mr Murdoch spent a week in hospital, six months on crutches, and had to quit his job as he could not stand for long periods and still feels pain in his leg to this day – 21 months later.
He also suffers memory and eyesight problems and bears the emotional scars of the incident, now rarely leaving the house and panicking when crossing the road.
The court also heard that, despite his injuries and continuing difficulties, Mr Murdoch had recently completed a 10k race, to prove to himself he could do it, but had to walk most of the way.
When McCoist returned to the dock yesterday to learn his fate, Defence QC John Scullion said he was remorseful over his actions, was willing to carry out unpaid work in the community as an alternative to prison, could pay compensation to Mr Murdoch at the rate of £100-per-month and was from “a supportive family.”
Ally McCoist was in the gallery at Paisley Sheriff Court to support his son.
Sheriff Pettigrew acknowledged McCoist had taken full responsibility for his actions, and had also missed out on a college scholarship in the USA as he was unable to obtain a visa.
McCoist was placed on a Community Payback Order, and ordered to do 280 hours’ unpaid work in the community within the next 10 months.
He will also be electronically tagged and effectively under house arrest from 8pm to 5.30am every day for the next six months.
He was banned from driving for 42 months, reduced from 48 months as he admitted his guilt, and warned him he could still be jailed if he breaches the Orders.
Sheriff Pettigrew added: “A Community Payback order is not a soft option.
“The hours of unpaid work will afford you an opportunity of making recompense for your behaviour and of contributing to society as part of the penalty for your offending.”