Woman who ran over and killed 'legendary' cyclist given unpaid work

A woman who ran over and killed a “legendary” cyclist has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

Ann McBride, 53, struck John Morton, known as “Fish”, while he was riding his bike near Glasgow’s Bridgeton on May 29, 2023.

The 64-year-old hit the car’s windscreen and was propelled onto the roof before landing on the road.

Mr Morton – who was a fishmonger – later died from his injuries three days later in hospital.

McBride stated that her vision was impaired, but an investigation established that this could not have been the case.

First offender McBride pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing Mr Morton’s death by careless driving.

Sheriff Joan Kerr imposed a community payback order at Wednesday’s sentencing as an “alternative to custody.”

The sheriff said: “Mr Morton was hardworking and lived every moment to the full.

“He had varied interests and much to look forward to.

“He was a cherished man by all of those who spent time with him.

“It goes without saying that nothing this court can do can compensate for his considerable loss and can’t lessen the despair his loss has brought.

“It is the mark of the man that he is an organ donor and has assisted people in life and has done so through death.”

The sheriff also disqualified McBride from driving for 20 months.

The court heard that Mr Morton, who was married, was a “keen cyclist” who participated in a Scottish cross-country race series for 16 years.

The hearing – attended by Mr Morton’s loved ones – was told that he was known as far as Majorca for his cycling.

Mr Morton was cycling home from work after finishing a nightshift at Blochairn fish market when the incident occurred at 8.30am.

McBride, of Rutherglen, was travelling to her work when she went to turn right at the junction between Fielden Street and Fielden Place.

Prosecutor Susan Campbell said: “McBride failed to observe Mr Morton and continued the right-hand turn.

“The nearside of her vehicle struck Mr Morton’s bike while he was attached to the pedals.

“He fell against the bonnet and was uprooted from his bike backwards – the bike travelled along the bonnet to the nearside of the car and fell on the road.

“Mr Morton struck the windscreen in front of the driver’s position and continued onto the roof and was propelled to the floor right behind the car.”

McBride was later found by a witness in a “distressed state.”

Paramedics arrived, and Mr Morton was taken to hospital but died three days later.

A post-mortem examination stated that his cause of death was a “brain injury due to cardiac arrest out with hospital due to neck injury due to road traffic collision where he was a cyclist.”

McBride told police: “I was driving, I didn’t see him because of the sun.”

A collision investigation was carried out, and it was concluded that the sun was not a factor in the collision.

It was stated: “From the evidence gathered, it was that Ms McBride misjudged the speed or failed to see Mr Morton as he was travelling towards her, and she did the right turn across his path.”

Tributes to Mr Morton poured in after his death with Scottish Cycling hailing him a “true legend of the sport.”

Vito Romagna posted on Facebook: “John the Fish, top man who always had time for a chat, cycling, gin or even fish.”

Dooley’s Cycles also commented: “Rest in Peace wee pal, we will miss you loads.”

Gillian Ross KC, defending, told the sentencing: “There is no dispute that this is a tragic case, and there is nothing I can say in mitigation that can take away the pain and suffering caused by Mr Morton’s family.

“Ms McBride wishes me again to acknowledge this on her behalf.

“She is someone who continues to battle with the consequences of her actions and realised that punishment is due.”