Driver jailed after killing woman, 79

A MOTORIST has been jailed for five years after killing an elderly woman as she crossed a road on her way to church.

David Harper was driving an unroadworthy car at excessive speed before the collision in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, on May 25, 2018, that claimed the life of 79-year-old Margaret McGinnes.

Judge Lord Fairley told the 34year-old at the High Court in Edinburgh it was clear the suddenness and circumstances of her death had caused her family ‘profound grief’.

Vehicle examiners found a cable to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) was frayed. Harper, of Glasgow, had braked but the wheels locked and the car skidded. His lawyer Euan Dow said he had meant to get the fault fixed the next day.

Harper had denied causing death by driving dangerously but was found guilty after a trial.

Lord Fairley told Harper his conduct and previous convictions, including a dangerous driving conviction, meant a custodial sentence was appropriate.