Galashiels man admits causing death of motorcyclist by dangerous driving
Last updated 4th Sep 2023
The family of a motorcyclist killed by a drugged-up driver in the Borders say they've been left "utterly devastated" by his death.
Brian Wilson - a 60-year-old grandfather from Newtongrange - suffered fatal injuries in the collision with a car on the A72 near Innerleithen on April 23rd last year.
At the High Court in Glasgow today (Monday), Andrew Taylor, from Galashiels admitted causing Mr Wilson's death by dangerous driving, while unfit due to a number of drugs including cocaine.
The 48-year-old - who has five previous road traffic convictions - has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing next month.
In a statement issued through Digby Brown Solicitors, Mr Wilson's family said: “We remain utterly devastated by the loss of Brian – he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.
“There’s nothing we could say that could describe our pain or the gap now left in our lives.
“This driver was selfish and reckless and ruined our lives – even his actions of previously failing to turn up for court and unnecessarily dragging out the prosecution has only worsened our pain.
“We now hope the sentencing will fairly reflect everything that has happened.”
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Mr Wilson, who worked for Scottish Water, had gone out for a ride on his Suzuki after finishing his shift when his bike was involved in a collision with Taylor's Mini, which had crossed into the opposite side of the road.
The court heard Taylor had spent the previous evening downing alcohol and taking cocaine until late, and had gone out to get more drink when tragedy struck.
An off-duty nurse was unable to save the grandfather, who was thrown from his bike and suffered "multiple injuries".
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Taylor was also checked for any injuries. Prosecutor Mark Mohammed said: "The paramedics formed the view that he was intoxicated. While in the ambulance, he fell asleep."
The court heard a blood sample had the presence of a number of substances including cocaine, a sedative called Clonazepam and morphine.
Taylor had initially been due to face the charge at a court hearing last December, but failed to appear. He is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on October 9th.
Lord Arthurson warned him: "You are convicted by your own plea of an exceedingly serious crime. You will be receiving a substantial custodial sentence when you return to court."
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