Speeding driver who killed pedestrian jailed

A speeding driver who ran over and killed a woman he claimed he did not see has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Iain Fletcher hit Rachel McLaren in his Ford Focus, sending her flying over a roadside safety barrier, on 27 November 2021.

The 51-year-old had been driving at 58mph in a 30mph zone on Balmore Road in Glasgow's Milton area.

He 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 Miss 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 Miss 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 crash happened as Ms McLaren - who lived nearby - had been heading to a local shop.

CCTV played at the High Court in Glasgow showed Ms McLaren crossing the road before being hit by Fletcher's car.

Prosecutor James Irvine said: "The car did not brake until after the collision - coming to stop 82m (269ft) away."

Witnesses immediately ran to help Ms McLaren, but Mr Irvine said her injuries were so serious that she never recovered.

The court heard that Fletcher, from the city's Maryhill area, did not have any traces of drink or drugs in his system. But it emerged he had a clear sight of Ms McLaren for 230m (755ft) as she crossed the road.

Ian Duguid, defending, said father-of-two Fletcher - who had no previous driving convictions - 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."