Man who killed NHS worker after running red light banned from driving

A financial consultant who killed a young woman after going through a red light has been disqualified from driving.

Robert Hasebe caused the crash, which saw NHS radiographer Noor Court, 26, fatally struck by a signpost as she walked near Glasgow’s O2 Academy on October 6, 2021.

The 38-year-old initially claimed he had not stopped at the lights as he had been “blinded by the sun”.

Hasebe was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of causing Ms Court’s death by careless driving.

The dad had earlier lodged a plea to the charge, which was rejected by the Crown, and went to trial on accused of causing Ms Court’s death by dangerous driving.

Judge Lord Colbeck ordered Hasebe to do 300 hours of unpaid work and disqualified him from driving for four years.

Hasebe was also tagged for six months keeping him indoors between 7pm and 7am.

The judge said: “Nothing I can say or do and no sentence the court can impose can compensate for Ms Court’s death.

“Irrespective of what I impose today, you can move on with your life while the appalling loss of life for her family and friends will endure.

“The extent of this is measured in the victim impact statements which speak eloquently of Ms Court who was a remarkable person and is missed terribly every day.

“You cannot be sent to prison unless the court considers that no other method is appropriate.

“Ultimately, I am persuaded there is another way of dealing with you other than custody, but this should not detract from the gravity of your behaviour.”

Jurors heard that Hasebe had been behind the wheel of his Toyota Yaris that morning with his wife and young son in the back seat.

He failed to spot a red light and entered a junction before hitting another car. His Toyota mounted the pavement and smacked into a pole which then struck Ms Court.

The children’s ward worker tragically never survived despite the help of mercy crews who arrived.

Hasebe, of Priesthill, accepted not stopping at the lights but claimed he thought they were green as he approached.

After the verdict, Mr Prentice told the court that Ms Court had been born in Israel and moved to Scotland 13 or 14 years ago.

It was stated that her family lives in the Ayrshire area, which includes one brother.

Ms Court has two half-sisters who live in the USA and London, both of whom have children.

Mr Prentice added: “Ms Court was employed by the NHS as a specialist paediatric radiographer and worked at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

“She was valued and loved by her family and colleagues.”

At the time of Ms Court’s death, members of her family paid tribute to her.

Mum Lia Court said: “We are still in complete shock and disbelief.

“The fact we will never again see her is incomprehensible and so unbearable.

“Our Noor was a princess – named after a much beloved Queen – and the light of our family.”

Boyfriend of three years Will Little posted online how “broken” he was following the loss of his “beautiful, caring, wickedly funny partner in life”.

Sister Naga Kaplan described Noor as “absolutely perfect in every single way” and “our golden girl”.

In a statement via law firm Digby Brown, Ms Court’s parents said: “Our Noor was a beautiful, intelligent and kind person adored by everyone who knew her – she is missed every day.

“While we welcome the conviction of the driver we are frustrated it has taken nearly three years to secure it.

“We were also angered to learn this man has apparently remained free to drive since killing Noor while having the audacity to abstain from entering a plea until the last possible moment.

“It is not our intention to continue from this point in anger but we feel these points need highlighted, and addressed, if other bereaved families are to be helped in the future.

“Thank you to our friends and everyone who has supported us following the loss of our beloved Noor – especially PC Willie Neil from Police Scotland for his warmth and valuable support – however we now request our privacy is respected as we look to the future.”