Our little boy had his father stolen before he even had memories to call his own
Wife’s ’life sentence’ of grief as OAP who killed cyclist is given 2 years in prison
A PENSIONER who killed a popular teacher and “devoted daddy” on his daily cycle ride after carrying out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre was yesterday jailed for two years.
Motorist Thomas Smith , 76, struck Adam Pattinson head on after driving into the opposing carriageway as he tried to pass a van and lorry when it was unsafe to do so.
Last night, Adam’s family welcomed the sentence but said it “cannot begin to match our grief ”.
In a statement, his wife Claire said: “We feel it just as a custodial sentence has been given today. However, this cannot begin to match our grief, nor can it reflect a life so cruelly taken from Adam, myself, our son and his family and friends.
“Words will never be enough to describe the devastating pain and heartbreak of losing my wonderful husband. Adam was the most loving and devoted Daddy to our little boy who had his father stolen before he even had memories to call his own.”
At the High Court in Edinburgh, a judge told Smith the death was “wholly life-changing” for the victim’s family.
Lord Arthurson said he had taken time to read impact statements prepared by close family members and added they were “universally eloquent and harrowing”.
He added: “Mr Pattinson’s life was a full life, but a life nevertheless cruelly cut short with many happy and fulfilling years with his family and in his career lying ahead of him.
“No sentence that this court could impose could ever begin to reduce the sheer scale of grief felt by that family as they contemplate the loss of Mr Pattinson.”
He told Smith: “Mr Pattinson was a skilled and proficient cyclist who had been wearing full cycling clothing and equipment, including a helmet and a high visibility jacket.
“He was appropriately positioned. There was sufficient time to amend your driving but you did not do that.”
The judge pointed out that 36-yearold Adam, the father of a young son, was a popular teacher at Craigclowan Prep School in Perthshire and captain of Perthshire Rugby Club.
Banning Smith from driving for seven years, Lord Arthurson said he took into account the genuine remorse of Smith, his age and poor health and his previously unblemished driving record.
Smith, of Kestrel Way, in Perth, earlier admitted causing Adam’s death on February 28, 2020 on the A912 Aberargie to Bridge of Earn road, in Perth and Kinross, by driving dangerously.
Adam was a primary school teacher at Craigclowan Prep School, on the outskirts of Perth, and married with a seven-month-old son Fraser at the time of his death.
Advocate depute William Frain-Bell said: “He was a very enthusiastic teacher at this school where he had been a pupil. His local community was very important to him as was demonstrated by his commitment to the school and Perthshire Rugby Club.”
The prosecutor said many tributes were paid by pupils who described him as the BFT – Big Friendly Teacher.
The court heard Adam sustained “catastrophic” injury in the collision and would have lost consciousness immediately, with death following within a minute or two.
Defence counsel David Nicolson said there was heartfelt and genuine remorse on the part of Smith and added: “He described feeling he will never be happy again.”