Family hope tragic case will act as a deterrent

Published on Wednesday 8 September 2010 17:53

THE family of a cyclist killed by a drunk-driver who was nearly three times over the limit have said they do not want revenge for his death.

Greek-born Dr Kostas Tourlas, 37, pictured below, who had lived in Scotland for around 20 years, was cycling in Kirkliston with his girlfriend when he was struck and killed by Andrzej Stankiewicz's speeding car.

In a statement released after 43-year-old Stankiewicz pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday to causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol, Mr Tourlas' family said they hoped the tragedy would deter others from drink-driving.

Today, one of his closest friends expressed sympathy for the drunk-driver whom he described as a "broken man".

"Today's guilty plea means that part of the drama comes to an end. However the grief we feel will remain with us forever," said the family.

"Kostas' life was taken in an especially tragic way, but we are not interested in revenge because we believe that the value of a life is not negotiable.

"Instead we hope that what happened to Kostas serves as a warning to others of the consequences of drinking and driving."

Edinburgh High Court heard how Mr Tourlas, a senior software consultant, was hit by Stankiewicz's car after it lost control and crossed on to the wrong side of Stirling Road, Kirkliston, on June 12.

He suffered a broken neck and died almost instantly when he was thrown through the car windscreen, on to a passenger.

His girlfriend Kathleen Ralston, 41, was cycling no more than 15 metres behind and saw a Fiat Ulysee car "out of control and weaving on both sides of the carriageway," the court heard.

"She tried to call out a warning to the deceased who did not appear to hear," said advocate depute Alex Prentice QC.

It was calculated Stankiewicz was driving at around 71mph at the time of the crash. The road has a 60mph limit.

The passenger needed five stitches for a head wound, but Stankiewicz - a kilt-maker of Winchburgh, Broxburn - was uninjured.

When breathalysed he produced an alcohol reading of 104 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Defence solicitor advocate Robbie Burnett said he had been asked by Stankiewicz "to express his sincere and unreserved regret to Miss Ralston and the family of the deceased".

He added: "He was and continues to be shocked and horrified at what he has done."

Mark Symmonds, a close friend of Mr Tourlas, said Stankiewicz - a Polish national - had "wrecked his own life as well as others".

The judge, Lord Bannatyne, deferred sentence on Stankiewicz pending a background report and he was remanded in custody. He faces a maximum penalty of 14 years.