Dalmellington Paramedic Driving Ban Lifted Early After Killing OAP

A PARAMEDIC who knocked down and killed a disabled OAP has had his driving ban lifted early by a judge.

Campbell Fisher hit Robert Cunningham while on his way to a 999 call in Ayr in November 2010.

The 59 year-old was spared jail in 2012 after he pled guilty to a charge of causing death by careless driving.

Fisher was instead ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service and disqualified from the road for four years.

He today returned to the High Court in Glasgow in a legal bid to get his licence back early.

His ban was not due to end until October next year.

His lawyer told the court Fisher continues to be employed by the Scottish Ambulance Service and was described as a "highly trained and experienced individual".

Solicitor Euan Cameron added the paramedic works in a rural area and that being able to drive again would be "helpful to the local community".

Mr Cameron also told the court that Fisher's elderly parents - who live 30 miles from him - suffered considerable health problems.

He said: "He struggles to visit them and help with their care. His parents have comfort in seeing him, but that is affected by his inability to drive."

Mr Cameron added - while Fisher was moving to lift his disqualification - he has not "lost sight" of the impact Mr Cunningham's death has had.

Lady Stacey - the judge who sentenced him in 2012 - agreed to lift the ban more than a year early.

She told Fisher: "In all the circumstances, I am prepared to remove the disqualification from today's date."

Fisher, of Dalmellington, Ayrshire, will still have to sit an extended driving test and a Scottish Ambulance Service course before getting his licence back.