Driver pleads guilty to killing mum and injuring friend in crash

A delivery driver who killed a mother and seriously injured her friend in a road crash later admitted he had been a “stupid idiot”.

Jordan Roddie, 26, was going too fast and lost control of his Ford Focus before crashing head on with a Vauxhall Zafira on the A73 near Braidwood, Lanarkshire.

Eileen Thomson, 66, was a passenger in the Vauxhall Zafira which was being driven by 48 year-old Catherine Donnelly.

Both women were employed to take children to and from school and had just dropped the last pupil home when the crash happened.

Mum of two Eileen did not survive while Catherine now uses a wheelchair and has been unable to work since.

On Monday, Roddie pled guilty to causing the death of Eileen and seriously injuring Catherine due to dangerous driving.

He will be sentenced next month.

The High Court in Glasgow heard the crash happened around 3.30pm on March 3 2020.

The limit on the stretch of road was 60mph, but one motorist stated Roddie “must have been going over 70mph at least”.

A retired police officer, who was also driving on the A73, clocked the back of Roddie’s Ford “moving uncontrollably” from side to side.

Prosecutor Chris Macintosh told the hearing: “In his mirror, he observed the Focus fail to negotiate a bend in the road, continue straight on and into the opposing lane where it struck another vehicle head on.”

Catherine tried to dodge Roddie’s motor, but later said it had been going “too fast” to avoid.

The women ended up trapped in the Vauxhall. Mercy crews freed them, but, despite efforts to save Eileen, she died at the scene.

She had suffered fatal chest and abdominal injuries.

Meanwhile Catherine required major surgery at hospital following the crash.

She had multiple fractures including to her legs, arms and ribs.

She was in hospital for 15 weeks before spending another five at a rehab unit.

Mr Macintosh said: “She requires walking sticks or, if going out, a wheelchair.

“She is still taking medication for pain and has had to have her home adapted.

“She receives help from carers, been unable to work and now relies on state benefits.”

Eileen, who had been married for 46 years, was a school taxi escort for South Lanarkshire Council while Catherine was employed by a local cab firm to ferry pupils.

Roddie, of Carluke, Lanarkshire, was spoken to by police after the smash.

He admitted: “I know I cannot take that corner at more than 50. I have been a f*****g stupid idiot.”

Crash investigators concluded he was “entirely responsible” for the crash.

Janice Green, defending, asked for Roddie to remain on bail pending sentencing.

However judge Lord Burns said: “This is a very serious matter and, despite you not having any convictions for similar offences, I do not believe bail is appropriate. You will be remanded meantime.”

The case was adjourned for reports until next month.