DHL driver James McShane who reversed over and dragged 80-year-old to her death in Glasgow banned from driving

A delivery driver who reversed over a great-grandmother in a fatal crash has been banned from driving.

James McShane fatally struck Elizabeth Moffat in Bearsden, Glasgow on May 28, 2020.

The 80-year-old was walking along Speirs Road when she was hit by the DHL driver as he carried out a reversing manoeuvre.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard the pensioner was then dragged for more than three metres underneath the Citroen Relay panel van as McShane continued to reverse.

Mrs Moffat suffered multiple chest injuries including fractured sternum, multiple broken ribs and lacerated lungs.

McShane then attempted CPR while being guided by 999 operators, however when medics arrived, Mrs Moffat was pronounced dead at around 12.25pm.

She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where she was formally identified by relatives.

McShane from Moodiesburn, Glasgow admitted causing death by careless driving and will be sentenced next month.

In a statement released through Digby Brown Solicitors, the family of Mrs Moffat said: “Every day we feel the loss of our mother and while today’s conviction is welcome it is not ‘closure’.

“Our pain does not stop just because a conviction has been secured.

“We now hope the sentencing will reflect what has happened to our family.

“We’d finally just like to thank all who have supported us during this difficult time.”

The court heard that after striking Mrs Moffat he was heard saying “I think I’ve run over a woman. I never seen her.”

The court heard expert investigators confirmed all four of the van’s reversing sensors were working and even if the radio was at a loud volume, the sensors could still be heard.

They also said McShane was reversing at a “reasonable speed” of around 5.5mph at the time of collision and passed all alcohol, drug and sight tests.

The Citroen panel van was deemed to be in average condition but all mirrors were intact.

No explanation was given as to why McShane failed to stop, and the court heard that when speaking to police he provided a “no comment interview”.

However, investigators stated that no portion of blame could be attributed to Mrs Moffat.

McShane was originally scheduled to stand trial on Tuesday, December 6 – but this hearing was changed following notification of an intent to submit a plea.

He then appeared on Thursday, December 8, and admitted causing Mrs Moffat’s death by driving carelessly – a charge brought under Section 2(b) of the Road Traffic Act.

The delivery driver – who his defence lawyer described as being “devastated” following the fatal crash – was granted bail but handed an immediate driving ban until he his formally sentenced.

Sheriff Gallagher said: “This was an unmitigated tragedy.

“You were careless in such a way that it left a permanent impact on Mrs Moffat’s family – one can only imagine what it must be like having to hear the kind of details they have when it comes to understanding how your loved one lost their life.

“You remain on bail but a driving disqualification will take immediate effect and I haven’t closed my mind to any disposal to be outlined a later date.”

McShane will be sentenced on January 11, 2023.

Mrs Moffat is survived by three children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.