Trial For Driver Accused Of Killing Pensioner

A driver is to stand trial later this year charged with knocking down and killing a pensioner near the Silverburn Shopping Centre. Vincent Friel faced the allegation at the High Court in Glasgow. It is alleged the 43 year old struck 68 year old Charlotte Collins in the city's Barrhead Road. The indictment includes a claim that Friel drove through a pedestrian crossing "in contravention of a red traffic light". Miss Collins later died at the city's Southern General Hospital. Friel, of the city's Rutherglen, is also accused of hitting and injuring Margaret Haldane (67) during the same incident. He pled not guilty to causing the death of Miss Collins by dangerous driving. Friel also denied a charge under the Road Traffic Act of causing his car to hit Miss Haldane to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment. His QC Ian Duguid lodged a special defence that Friel was suffering from the medical condition automatism at the time. Judge Lord Burns set a trial due to begin in July.

The case could last up to four days.