Motherwell killer driver jailed for nine and a half years

Darren Ferris (24) wa sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh after he admitted causing the death of Linda Carson outside his home in Grange Tower.

Following the case Jennifer Harrower, procurator fiscal for homicides and serious crime in the West of Scotland, branded Ferris “selfish and highly irresponsible” and said his actions had “devastated” Mrs Carson’s family.

Inspector Darren Faulds speaks To

Connor Gillies

Inspector Darren Faulds, of the trunk road policing unit in Motherwell, added: “Ferris, despite having already been banned from the road for a previous conviction, took the decision to get behind the wheel of that vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. In doing so, he had no regard for the safety of any pedestrians or other motorists in his path.

“Following the fatal crash, in an act of cowardice, he fled from the scene and tried to cover his tracks before being traced and arrested.

“This case highlights the devastating effects of drink driving - a selfish decision such as driving under the influence can change many people’s lives forever. Our message is simple - don’t do it.”

Ferris (24) lost control of his Ford Mondeo and ploughed into 44-year-old Mrs Carson in Muirhouse Road on September 27.

He shouldn’t even have been on the road because he was supposed to be serving a driving ban.

Alex Prentice QC, prosecuting, said: “The accused was seen driving the Mondeo at excessive speed, causing some observers to make comments that he was driving like an idiot.”

Ferris was unable to control the car on a right hand bend, mounted the pavement and struck Mrs Carson who was walking her pet terrier Buster. His car then smashed into a wall.

Mr Prentice added: “One witness heard a scream cut short by a thud just before the collision with the wall.”

The court was told that callous Ferris got out the car and spoke to Mrs Carson who was lying on the pavement. What he said was not heard, but a bystander saw him put his hands to his head and swear loudly before jumping over the car bonnet and fleeing to his home in nearby Grange Tower.

One of the people who tried to help Mrs Carson called the mobile number on the dog’s collar and spoke to Mrs Carson’s husband, Robert.

Mr Prentice said: “Her husband rushed to the scene with his 11-year-old daughter. They were confronted with the tragic scene and had to be comforted by locals.

“Among those who gave assistance was a nurse who attempted CPR until the ambulance arrived.”

Mrs Carson lived in Gresham View, just a few minutes walk from the scene of the crash. She died from multiple injuries.

Ferris admitted causing the death of Mrs Carson by driving dangerously while under the influence of alcohol and at excessive speed.

He also admitted driving while disqualified, with no insurance and no licence, attempting to defeat the ends of justice by throwing away the car keys and failing to admit he was the driver.