Driver held in custody for killing Knightswood teenager

A speeding driver who killed a popular teenage girl is behind bars.

Florjan Dajti was described as "hammering" down the road before he ploughed into Sophie Geddes on December 5, 2020.

The 16 year-old tragically didn't survive having been hit as she crossed Glasgow's Great Western Road.

Expired licence

Albanian-born Dajti had only lived in Scotland since October 2019.

He held a full driving licence from his homeland, but it was only valid for 12 months in the UK - it expired weeks before the fatal collision.

Dajti had been due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Dajti had been due to stand trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

But, the 33 year-old instead pleaded guilty today to causing Sophie's death by dangerous driving.

The warehouse worker had been on bail, but was remanded in custody by Judge Simon Collins KC.

He will be sentenced next month.

Out to meet friends

Sophie, of the city's Knightswood, had gone out that night to meet a friend.

Dajti, of Scotstoun, Glasgow, was meantime in the area behind the wheel of his Ford Focus.

Prosecutor Alex Sutherland said: "He was driving at an excessive speed.

"He was described by an eye witness as 'hammering' down the road."

Sophie was crossing Great Western Road near Garscadden Road South when she was struck.

Mr Sutherland: "Dajti failed to notice Sophie Geddes, failed to brake or take other evasive action in time. He also did not sound his horn."

The court heard the teenager had been on the road for "more than four seconds" when she was hit.

The prosecutor: "Drivers have an extensive view of the road ahead. Dajti ought to have seen her."

She couldn't survive her injuries

Sophie suffered "multiple injuries" including fractures to her skull and pelvis. She was rushed to hospital, but passed away the next morning.

The court heard it was calculated from marks on the road that Dajti was driving at between 37-50mph at the time, but that could be an "under-estimate".

The limit on that stretch was 30mph. Photos were shown today/yesterday of Dajti's badly damaged car following the incident.

He also struck another motor - leaving its driver hurt - after hitting Sophie.

Mr Sutherland said Sophie was survived by her parents Stephen and Paula as well as her younger sister Ruby.

Dajti's defence KC Jim Keegan today/yesterday told the court: "He is very sorry for what happened."

Judge Collins deferred sentencing for reports until November 30 in Edinburgh.

He told Dajti: "A custodial sentence is inevitable. You will be remanded meantime."

Sophie headteacher at the city's Notre Dame high school paid tribute to the teenager shortly after her death stating she would "always have a special place in our hearts".

Rosemary Martin added: "We are absolutely devastated. Sophie was more than a pupil at our school. She was a very valued member of the community and a joy to be around.

"She was bright, caring, loving and went out her way to help others - a genuine ambassador for our school."

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