A pregnant woman was left with a spinal fracture after an East Renfrewshire transport manager crashed into her on a busy commuter road.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard John McLean ploughed his van into a stationary, broken down Fiat 500 – with its hazard lights on – in March 2023 near the M77.
McLean could offer no reason or explanation on why the crash took place and claimed he had no recollection of the incident which left the 14 weeks pregnant driver of the clapped-out car with a spinal fracture.
The 53-year-old admitted causing “serious injury” to the woman due to driving without “due care and attention”.
The procurator fiscal depute yesterday told the court: “Around 4.30pm on March 29, 2023, the female victim was driving west on the A726 Glasgow Orbital Road towards the M77, about half-a-mile west of the Belle Craig roundabout.
“She was driving a Fiat 500 in lane two when it came out of gear and wouldn’t go back in. She positioned herself as far right as possible and activated her hazard lights.
“McLean was also travelling west with a witness travelling behind him. The witness saw the Fiat 500 with its hazards on and that traffic ahead was slowing down.
“The witness slowed and anticipated the accused would move into the lane as there was enough space. Shortly after, the accused failed to stop and collided with the Fiat 500.
“Police were requested to attend and, when they arrived, they observed the female within her vehicle receiving treatment from a doctor and the accused was at the side of his vehicle walking wounded.
“Police closed the road so other agencies could remove the female as she was 14 weeks pregnant. She was taken to Hairmyres Hospital [in East Kilbride] via ambulance where she was assessed and suffered a spinal fracture.
“The accused told police he was the driver and wasn’t cautioned at the time but advised a report may be submitted.”
The collision was captured by witnesses’ dash-cams and showed McLean driving at about 60mph before hitting the stationary vehicle with its hazards illuminated.
Defence counsel Mr Henry said: “He is not a well man. He pleaded guilty in July last year but suffered a gallbladder problem and then pancreatitis which resulted to some 15 or 16 weeks in hospital. He still receives treatment on an out-patient basis.
“When working, he is a transport manager and has been with the company for 28 years although, due to his health, he is off and receiving statutory sick pay.
“He’s expressed remorse and regret and was tearful with the social worker who prepared the background report. As a result of the incident, he has suffered mental health difficulties and is unable to sleep and often sees the complainer’s face.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Sean Lynch stated: “You are not able to tell us why this collision happened because you don’t remember. I can only take that you were not paying attention or you were distracted.
“Given the car was in lane two with its hazards on, I take this to be at the higher level of culpability. I assess the level of harm as category two.
“However, in mitigation, you appear before the court as a first offender. You have a brilliant work ethic and you care for your wife. The only realistic option for disposal in this case is a restriction of liberty.”
McLean, of Arden Avenue, Thornliebank, was ordered to stay within his home address from 7pm to 7am for six months.
He was also banned from driving for 12 months.
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