Driver charged in Abbie death
A Hamilton man has been charged with causing the death of Motherwell schoolgirl Abbie Mclaren by driving dangerously while without a licence and uninsured.
The 12-year-old died after she was struck by a car near her home in Motherwell, on Tuesday, February 12.
Martin Mcguire (38) appeared in private at Hamilton Sheriff Court last Thursday afternoon.
He was accused of driving dangerously at excessive speed and causing the vehicle to strike Abbie.
Mcguire is also charged with taking and driving the car without the owner’s consent, driving without a licence and having no insurance.
Mcguire is also a cousin of Abbie’s dad.
Solicitor Diarmid Bruce made no plea on his behalf.
Sheriff Alasdair Macfadyen remanded Mcguire in custody for further examination.
He is expected to make another court appearance this week.
The Motherwell community has been rocked by Abbie’s death and tributes have continued to pour in for the youngster this week.
Abbie was a first-year pupil at Dalziel High and head teacher, Robert Birch, said that her death was a devastating loss to the school. He said: “This is a terrible tragedy and I know I am speaking on behalf of all pupils, staff and friends at Dalziel when I say that Abbie’s death has been a devastating loss to the entire school community.
“She was a very popular, happy and talented girl who will be deeply missed by everyone at the school, and her family is very much in all our thoughts.
“She had many friends here and came to school with a bright smile on her face, bringing joy to many.
“Staff and pupils will be fully supported as they come to terms with this extremely sad news.”
Hundreds of school kids also gathered last Friday to release balloons in memory of Abbie. Friends of Abbie – including many from Dalziel High School as well as family members – headed to the youngster’s former primary school, Glencairn, to pay their respects.
The balloon release was organised by Abbie’s friends.
Mourners in Motherwell also held a torch lit walk in memory of Abbie on Sunday along The Loaning, where the incident took place.
Around 1000 people walked for more than an hour to pay their respects to the schoolgirl.
Locals carried candles, flowers, balloons and photographs in tribute to the tragic teenager.