FIVE YEARS FOR ROBYN’S KILLER
Judge slams ‘cowardly’ driver who mowed down teen schoolgirl
A speeding driver who mowed down a schoolgirl then left her dying on the road has been jailed for five years and three months.
Shaun Gatti killed 15 yearold Robyn Fryar in Paisley after dr inking at a nightclub in the town.
The 21-year-old driver fled in his black Volkswagen Golf before
trying to hide his involvement by hiding the damaged motor under tarpaulin.
But, Gatti was soon snared after an anonymous tip-off to police.
He was yesterday sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow having earlier admitted causing the death of Robyn by dangerous driving last summer.
Prosecutors stated Gatti had been going at excessive speed after consuming alcohol.
Lord Mulholland yesterday told him he had “delivered the most acute grief” and a “life sentence” to Robyn’s emotional family, who were in court for the hearing.
The judge added: “You fled the scene and this was a most cowardly act.
“You should have faced up to what you had done and tried to help her.”
Lord Mulholland paid tribute to the “enduring bravery” and “human spirit” of Robyn’s relatives.
Gatti was banned from the road for a total of 11 years and seven months.
Robyn - an only child - was struck as she crossed Glenburn Road with friends at around 2am.
She had been celebrating having completed her school exams for the year.
Gatti had earlier been out at Paisley’s Vienna nightclub and was clocked on CCTV drinking out of a fish bowl cocktail.
Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC said: “He drank from this glass more than once, but the Crown cannot say how much.”
Police estimated he was driving at up to 47mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the incident.
Gatti was also on the wrong side of the road.
Mr Prentice went on: “Robyn was struck by the car and carried on for a distance.
“She was then thrown forward when the brakes were applied and the car came to a stop.
“Gatti and his passenger Andrew Graham got out of the car, saw Robyn on the ground, got back in the vehicle and drove off at speed.
“Robyn’s friends - who saw the collision - were hysterical as a result of what they had just witnessed.”
The schoolgirl tragically died hours later from her injuries.
As well as hiding the car, Gatti also removed its registration plates and cleaned the motor.
Mr Prentice added: “He was traced more than 11 hours after the collision and it was too late to take a sample from him regarding alcohol consumption.”
Gatti, of Paisley, also admitted in court to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
After the hearing last month, Robyn’s tearful father Ian Fryar described his daughter as “outgoing, bubbly and intelligent”.
Outside court Robyn’s dad said: “I don’t accept his apology.
“He didn’t show a bit of remorse when he killed my daughter.
“His car was smashed to bits. He travelled with my daughter on the car. When he stopped she was thrown clear.
“All he did was get out and look and then he left my daughter in the road dying.
“She was outgoing, bubbly and intelligent.
“She wanted to be a vet or a forensic scientist. She was very precious. She was an IVF baby.”
Robyn’s aunt Amanda said: “She and her friends had been celebrating the end of exams. She was a special wee girl.
Co-accused David Kinnon, 21, from Paisley, who was accused of causing Robyn’s death by taking part in a race with Gatti that night walked free after his plea of not guilty was accepted by the Crown.
Speaking following the sentencing, Procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, David Green, said: “Shaun Gatti’s dangerous driving has irrevocably damaged many lives and our thoughts go to the family and friends of Robyn Fryar.
“Gatti’s actions were completely unacceptable and have resulted in the most severe consequences.
“I hope this conviction and sentence deters others from making the same catastrophic mistakes.”