Google MapsA driver who hit and killed a woman he claimed he did not see has been jailed for three years and nine months.
Iain Fletcher struck Rachel McLaren sending her over a roadside safety barrier on November 27, 2021.
The 51-year-old – who should have had a clear sight of Ms McLaren – had been going at 58mph in a 30mph on Balmore Road in Glasgow’s Milton area.
Fletcher pled guilty to causing the death of the 33-year-old by dangerous driving.
Judge Lady Stacey said: “Nothing I can say or do on this occasion can lessen the grief felt now and forever for Ms 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 Ms 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 occurred as Ms McLaren – who lived nearby – had been 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 Ms McLaren crossing the road and being hit by the car sending her into the air.
Prosecutor James Irvine said: “The car did not brake until after the collision – coming to stop 82 metres away.”
Witnesses immediately ran to help Ms McLaren.
But, Mr Irvine described injuries so serious that she never recovered.
She is survived by her parents, brother and partner.
The court heard Fletcher, of the city’s 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 Ms McLaren for 230 metres as she crossed the road.
Ian Duguid, defending, said the father-of-two – who had no previous driving offences – told the 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, despite it being dark that night, it was “difficult to imagine how he could not have seen” Ms McLaren.
The advocate told the sentencing hearing: “This has had tragic consequences for two families.
“He is remorseful about his participation in taking the life of someone else.
“He is pretty much scarred for the events which he accepts full responsibility.”
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