Dumper truck driver admits killing student by driving in the wrong direction

A dumper truck driver's admitted to killing a vet student by driving dangerously.

The incident occurred on 9th December 2016 on the A1 in East Lothian, as the driver continued along a dual carriageway despite motorists flashing him as he drove in the wrong direction.

Michael Friel, 57, pleaded guilty earlier at the High Court in Edinburgh to causing the death of Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair by dangerous driving.

Miss Ambrozevich-Blair was 26-years-old when Friel drove his tipper truck into her car, which was near her home in Dunbar.

Friel drove down the road between the Spott and Thistly Cross roundabouts in East Lothian, after performing a three-point turn and driving the wrong way in the face of oncoming traffic

Miss Ambrozevich-Blair sustained multiple injuries, however she later died despite efforts to save her.

The vet student, who worked part-time at a 'Vets for Pets' branch at Straiton retail park in Loanhead, was posthumously awarded a first class honours degree in veterinary nursing from Edinburgh Napier University.

Meghan's family have released a statement:

"On the morning of the 9 December 2016 our world fell apart when our beautiful Meghan was taken from us.

"Meghan was talented, caring and loving in every way. She loved life and had it all in front of her.

"We lost an incredible daughter and sister, and her fiancé lost his soul mate and the family they planned to have.

"The suffering we have endured over the last two years since that day has been horrendous – we never thought it was possible to be in so much pain and still be alive.

"Days that were happy are now sad and our lives will never be the same again.

"Every driver who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle on public roads bears a huge responsibility to drive safely, within the rules, and abide by the law.

"They must also be held accountable for their actions when they cause pain and suffering to others."