Driver admits killing young woman in Glasgow after running red light
Noor Court's parents pay tribute to their "beautiful, intelligent" daughter, as Robert Hasebe is convicted of causing death by careless driving
A man has admitted killing a young woman in Glasgow after driving through a red light.
Robert Hasebe caused a crash that saw NHS radiographer Noor Court, 26, fatally struck with a sign post near the O2 Academy on October 6 2021.
The 38 year-old initially claimed he had not stopped at the lights as he had been "blinded by the sun".
Hasebe stood trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
He now faces a jail-term after being convicted on Thursday of causing Miss Court's death by careless driving.
The dad will be sentenced next month.
Hasebe was taking his son to play in the park when he caused the crash
Jurors heard how Hasebe had been behind the wheel of his Toyota Yaris that morning with his wife and young son in the back.
They had been travelling to the city's Glasgow Green for his son to play in the park.
It was in Eglinton Street that he failed to spot the red light, entered a junction before hitting another car.
Hasebe's Toyota then mounted the pavement, smacked into the pole which then struck Miss Court.
The children's ward worker tragically never survived despite the help of mercy crews who arrived.
Hasebe, of the city's Priesthill, gave evidence during his trial.
He accepted not stopping at the lights, but claimed he thought they were at green as he approached.
Hasebe told court he was "very panicked" after crash
Asked about what happened after the collision, he told his lawyer Marco Guarino: "I was very panicked. I remember seeing Miss Court on the ground.
"It shocked me. I did not know how that was possible."
He recalled people at the scene had accused him of "running a red light".
Hasebe said he "questioned himself", but was positive it had been a green signal.
38-year-old claimed he'd been blinded by the sun
Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC later said Hasebe had "not been paying attention" while driving.
Mr Prentice also questioned him on his claim to police that he had been affected by the sun that morning.
He said Hasebe had stated that to "provide an excuse" for what happened.
Hasebe told the court: "I cannot say with any certainty that is what I said."
Hasebe had initially offered to plead guilty to the charge of causing death by careless driving prior to the trial starting but went to trial on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Lord Colbeck deferred sentencing for reports. Hasebe was bailed and banned from the road meantime.
"She will be missed every day"
In a statement via law firm Digby Brown Miss Court's parents said: “Our Noor was a beautiful, intelligent and kind person adored by everyone who knew her – she is missed every day.
“While we welcome the conviction of the driver we are frustrated it has taken nearly three years to secure it.
“We were also angered to learn this man has apparently remained free to drive since killing Noor while having the audacity to abstain from entering a plea until the last possible moment.
“It is not our intention to continue from this point in anger but we feel these points need highlighted, and addressed, if other bereaved families are to be helped in the future.
“Thank you to our friends and everyone who has supported us following the loss of our beloved Noor – especially PC Willie Neil from Police Scotland for his warmth and valuable support – however we now request our privacy is respected as we look to the future.”