Gran killed by trucker

Other A77 drivers noticed his bad driving

A judge told a lout lorry driver who killed a gran that he had given her grieving family a “life sentence”.

Lord Mulholland made the remarks as John Dale admitted causing the death of retired social worker Mary Fulton.

The 43- year was over the white lines between Girvan and Dipple on the A77.

He ploughed head on into Mary’s Skoda Yeti. Tragically the 67- yearold died at the scene in November last year.

The High Court in Glasgow heard Dale already had motoring convictions for careless and drink driving.

He now faces a lengthy jail- term when he is sentenced in the New Year.

Lord Mulholland told him: “You have caused the death of a lady who was a mother and a gran.

“The family have been given a life sentence as a result of your driving.

“It would appear that she died almost instantly.”

Dale, of Greenock, is now behind bars awaiting sentence after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving.

He worked with a haulage firm at the time of the tragedy.

Prosecutors stated his “erratic” driving came to the attention of other motorists on the A77.

He went on to cross double white lines and into the opposite side of the road.

Dale initially collided with a car driven by an 85 year- old woman.

But, advocate depute Greg Farrell said “less than a second” later, Dale’s Mercedes HGV hit Mary’s Skoda.

He and other motorists raced out to help – but it soon became clear that Mary, who lived in Girvan, was already dead.

Dale was then found to be “in shock” and “hyperventilating”.

He went on to tell another driver: “I did not see her.”

The road was shut for four hours afterwards as traffic police investigated.

Euan Dow, defending, said Dale could “offer no explanation” as to what happened.

The court heard potential factors – such as being tired at the wheel or using a mobile – had been discounted.

Mr Dow added checks had also been made to find out whether Dale had any unknown medical issue.

But, the hearing was told this was also ruled out.

The advocate said Dale was aware “his conduct had resulted in an irretrievable loss” for Mary’s relatives.

Family have been give a life sentence