Student jailed after falling asleep and causing the death of another driver
A student who fell asleep at the wheel and killed a man after partying the night before has been locked up for three years.
A student who fell asleep at the wheel and killed a man after partying the night before has been locked up for three years.
Alisdair Grant caused a head-on smash with Gerry Lewis in East Ayrshire in March 2014.
The 21 year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving and was today (Wednesday 28th September) sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.
His lawyer asked for him not to be jailed stating testimonials had described Grant as a “role model”.
But, Lord Boyd ruled that out as he told Grant “a life had been taken” by what he had done that day.
The judge added he had displayed “a cavalier attitude” having recently been convicted of drink driving when he got behind the wheel.
The collision occurred on the A719 close to the Ayrshire village of Waterside.
Grant from Kilmarnock was not long back on the road having been banned for a year in December 2012 for drink driving.
He drove his brother's Fiat Punto despite feeling the effects of socialising the previous evening.
Prosecutor Mark McGuire told the court, “Text messages recovered from his mobile phone sent that day indicate he had been partying heavily the night before.
“Around two hours before the collision – in response to someone asking if he was fit to drive – he replied he thought he would be soon.
“The texts made it clear that Grant was tired.”
Mr Lewis was in the meantime driving his Suzuki 4x4 in the opposite direction.
The 54 year-old was with his wife Sarah to see his widowed mother in Glasgow.
The court heard as the two vehicles approached, Grant's Fiat drifted “without warning” into the path of Mr Lewis's car.
The advocate depute went on, “From what Mrs Lewis could see, there was no attempt to break by Grant.
“He had fallen asleep at the wheel.”
The smash caused “significant damage” to both cars. Mrs Lewis immediately found her husband was badly hurt.
Mr McGuire said, “She shouted for help, pleading for people to assist her husband.”
Other drivers came to their aid before police and an ambulances crews arrived.
The couple were initially trapped in the car and Mr Lewis had to be cut free from the wreckage, but he never recovered.
Mr Lewis – a conservationist with North Lanarkshire Council for 20 years - died due to chest and abdominal injuries.
The court heard his loss has been “profound” for Mrs Lewis.
Mr McGuire: “Gerry Lewis was a much loved husband and family man. His wife and and wider family miss him dearly.”
Grant's lawyer today/yesterday said the student still suffered “nightmares” after what happened.
Brian Gilfedder, defending, said the 21 year-old had been a voluntary sports coach teaching children before the crash and had been highly regarded with one reference claiming Grant was “responsible” and a “very good role model”.
The lawyer asked for him not to be jailed after a court social work report stated Grant would be “a suitable candidate” for a non-custodial sentence.
Lord Boyd said the prison term was cut by a year due to his guilty plea.
Grant was also banned from the road for four years.