Hit-and-run victim is suing for £500,000
A pedestrian who was run over and badly injured by Rangers legend Ally McCoist’s son is now suing him for £500,000.
Stephan Murdoch, 23, started proceedings against Argyll McCoist, 21, yesterday at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, which is Scotland’s highest civil court.
Mr Murdo c h, f rom Bishopton, was left seriously injured after Mr McCoist’s uninsured sports car struck him at a crossing in the village on December, 3 2016.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard how McCoist, of Houston, raced through a red light before driving off in his £20,000 Audi A1 S line TDI.
Mr Murdoch suffered a fractured skull and a brain injury, and he also spent a week in hospital and had to use crutches for six months.
Now lawyers acting for Mr Murdoch have gone to court in a bid to win compensation from McCoist.
Following a short procedural hearing at the Court of Session yesterday, judge Lord Bannatyne made an interim award to Mr Murdoch of £5,000.
In September last year, McCoist pleaded guilty at Paisley Sheriff Court to a charge of driving without insurance and causing serious injury by driving dangerously.
Sheriff Colin Pettigrew sentenced McCoist to 280 hours unpaid work and he was also electronically tagged on a Restriction of Liberty Order for six months.
Sheriff Pettigrew also banned him from driving for three and a half years.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Pettigrew said: “I am satisfied that you are genuinely remorseful, bitterly regretting the manner of your driving, which, while neither planned nor premeditated was undoubtedly reckless and immature.”
The court heard McCoist had been speeding through Bishopton when he struck Mr Murdoch around 9.30pm.
Depute procurator fiscal Pamela Brady said Mr Murdoch spent some time in hospital following the collision.
McCoist sat in the dock and cried whilst Ms Brady said: “He advises he does not go out as much as he used to.
“He becomes particularly anxious when he has to cross a road.
“He has also developed problems with sleep and becomes sick and nauseous when he lies down – this results in him becoming agitated.
“He has had to attend his GP regarding issues with sleep, anxiety, depression and pain.”
According to papers lodged in the Court of Session, lawyers acting for Mr Murdoch claim he suffers psychological and physical health problems as a consequence of the collision.
The sum being sued for covers loss of past and future earnings, the cost of medical treatment and the loss of pension benefits.
It also covers the costs of “a dietician and a personal trainer.”
The case called before Lord Bannatyne during a short hearing, during which he agreed to interim damages of £5,000.
A full hearing in the case is expected to take place in January 2020.
Mr McCoist is contesting the action.