Fugitive drug dealer who fled to Spain killed grandad in drink-driving crash

A fugitive who fled to Spain after drugs worth £800,000 were discovered at a flat in Paisley has been jailed for five years.

Callum Fox was arrested by police in Northern Ireland in August 2024 and brought back to Scotland, where he was charged in connection with drug dealing.

The 29-year-old appeared in court and was released on bail before fleeing to Spain.

An operation between Police Scotland, the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities led to Fox being traced in Spain and extradited back to Scotland in November 2025.

Fox is already serving a six-year sentence for killing Jim Paterson while driving two-and-a-half times over the limit in Paisley in November 2022.

The 63-year-old was heading home after a “curry night” when he was struck by speeding Fox as he crossed the road. The dad-of-three died at the scene.

Jim Paterson was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Police Scotland

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how officers raided a flat on Albion Street in Paisley on July 6, 2022, where the drugs haul was discovered. Information obtained as part of the investigation led police to investigate Callum Fox.

He was charged in connection with directing others in drug dealing and jailed for five years.

Police described Fox as “bringing fear and misery to local communities in Paisley”.

Detective Inspector Nick Gribben said: “Fox was responsible for bringing fear and misery to local communities in Paisley.

“The information obtained confirmed his direct involvement in organised crime.

“It illustrated he was the one orchestrating the widescale drug supply and distribution. He sought to profit from the misery of others. Perhaps he thought he was above the law, this sentence says otherwise.

“The public may not always be aware of the work ongoing in the background to target those involved in serious and organised crime, but it is happening.

“I also want to thank our law enforcement colleagues in Spain, Northern Ireland, the NCA and the team of dedicated officers whose ongoing efforts brought Fox back to face the full consequences of his criminality.”