A young Aberdeenshire woman driver who knocked down and killed a frail pensioner avoided jail yesterday.
Anna McCallum struck 79-year-old John Sangster in her Kia Picanto as he was crossing Baltic Street, Montrose, in December 2012.
A police investigation had suggested the 24-year-old was distracted by loud music in her car and after becoming momentarily distracted was unable to react when the pensioner appeared from between two parked vehicles into her path.
Mr Sangster, who walked with a stoop, suffered a serious head injury after smashing off the windscreen of the car and died three days later in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
McCallum, of Harbour Place, Johnshaven, admitted driving without due care or attention at Forfar Sheriff Court last month.
Appearing for sentencing yesterday, she was disqualified from driving for four years and ordered to complete a community payback order of 240 hours of unpaid work.
Defence agent Nick Markowski said his client, who works as a care assistant for Aberdeenshire Council, had been distracted while looking for a parking space.
He said: “She is a first time offender. She passed her test at 18 and has no endorsements on her licence.
“She wishes to express her heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and she apologises to the court for her actions on that date.”
The lawyer added: “It was a momentary lapse in her concentration.”
Mr Markowski said no one would ever know why Mr Sangster did not see McCallum’s car, as he walked right into her path.
He added that the social work report made reference to McCallum’s life being “ripped apart” as a result of the accident.
“It’s had a significant effect on her,” he added.
Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “Tragically you didn’t see, nor react to the deceased (walking into the road).
“The offence to which you pled guilty was because of your inattention for at most a few vital seconds.
“I recognise this accident has had a devastating effect on your life for now just over two years and I take into account your obvious remorse.”
The disqualification was backdated to November 18. McCallum will have to sit an extended driving test at the end of her disqualification.