Speeding driver who killed schoolgirl after night out jailed

Published 22nd Jul 2020

A speeding driver who mowed down a schoolgirl then left her dying on the road has been jailed for five years and three months.

Shaun Gatti killed 15 year-old Robyn Fryar in Paisley, Renfrewshire having earlier been drinking at a nightclub in the town.

The 21 year old fled in his black Volkswagen Golf before trying to hide his involvement by hiding the damaged motor under tarpaulin.

But, Gatti was soon snared after an anonymous tip off to police.

He was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow having earlier admitted causing the death of Robyn by dangerous driving on July 7 2019.

Prosecutors stated Gatti had been going at excessive speed after consuming alcohol.

Lord Mulholland today told him he had "delivered the most acute grief" and a "life sentence" to Robyn's emotional family, who were in court for the hearing.

The judge added: "You fled the scene and this was a most cowardly act.

"You should have faced up to what you had done and tried to help her."

Lord Mulholland paid tribute to the "enduring bravery" and "human spirit" of Robyn's relatives.

Gatti was banned from the road for a total of 11 years and seven months.

Robyn - an only child - was struck as she crossed a road with friends around 2am.

She had been celebrating having recently completed her school exams form the year.

Gatti had earlier been out at Paisley's Vienna nightclub and was clocked on CCTV drinking out of a Fish Bowl cocktail.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC said: “He drank from this glass more than once, but the Crown cannot say how much."

Police estimated he was driving at up to 47mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the incident.

Gatti was also on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Prentice went on: “Robyn was struck by the car and carried on for a distance.

"She was then thrown forward when the brakes were applied and the car came to a stop.

"Gatti and his passenger Andrew Graham got out of the car, saw Robyn on the ground, got back in the vehicle and drove off at speed.

“Robyn's friends - who saw the collision - were hysterical as a result of what they had just witnessed.”

The schoolgirl tragically died hours later from her injuries.

As well as hiding the car, Gatti also removed its registration plates and cleaning the motor.

Mr Prentice: "He was traced more than 11 hours after the collision and it was too late to take a sample from him regarding alcohol consumption.”

Gatti, of Paisley, also admitted in court to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

After the hearing last month, Robyn's tearful father Ian Fryar described his daughter as "outgoing, bubbly and intelligent".

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