Killer driver locked up
A DRIVER who ran over and killed a woman he claimed he did not see has been jailed for three years and nine months.
Iain Fletcher hit Rachel McLaren, sending her over a roadside safety barrier, on November 27, 2021.
The 51- year- old motorist, who should have clear sight of Miss McLaren, had been driving at 58mph in a 30mph zone on Balmore Road, in Glasgow’s Milton area.
Fletcher pleaded guilty to causing the death of 33- year- old Miss McLaren by dangerous driving.
Judge Lady Stacey told him: “Nothing I can say or do on this occasion can lessen the grief felt now and forever for Miss McLaren’s family and friends.
“Of course, I cannot put a value on another person’s life.
“She was a much loved daughter, sister and had a partner and friends who must miss her terribly.
“I know from your background report that you understand that.
“You appreciate that your dangerous driving had
catastrophic consequences for Miss McLaren and her family.
“I have decided that, in all the circumstances, custody is appropriate.”
Fletcher was also disqualified from driving for six years and eight months.
The fatal collision took place as Miss McLaren, who lived nearby, was heading to a local shop.
Fletcher was behind the wheel of his Ford Focus at the time.
CCTV played at the High Court in Glasgow showed Miss McLaren crossing the road and being hit by the car, sending her flying through the air.
Prosecutor James Irvine said: “The car did not brake until after the collision, coming to a stop 82 metres away.”
Witnesses immediately raced to help Miss McLaren, but her injuries were so serious that she never recovered.
She is survived by her parents, brother and partner.
The court heard Fletcher, from Maryhill, admitted to police that he had been driving that night.
There was no trace that he had taken drink or drugs, but it emerged he had a clear sight of Miss McLaren for 230 metres as she crossed the road.
Ian Duguid, defending, said dad- of- two Fletcher, who had no previous driving offences, told the previous hearing that he was “remorseful” for what he called a “shocking incident”.
The KC added: “He stopped his car... he got out. He had not realised at the time that he had struck a person. He came to find people attending to Rachel McLaren on the pavement.”
Mr Duguid said that, despite it being dark that night, it was “difficult to imagine” how his client had failed to see Miss McLaren.
The advocate added: “This has had tragic consequences for two families.
“He is remorseful about his participation in taking the life of someone else.”