August appeal over sentence for cyclist death

A Crown Office appeal against the sentence of a motorist convicted of killing a cyclist will be heard in August.

Audrey Fyfe, who died after being knocked off her bike by Gary McCourt. Picture: TSPL

• Five year driving ban handed to man convicted of killing cyclist to be appealed

• Sentence for Gary McCourt was ‘unduly lenient’, Crown Office say

Prosecutors are challenging the five-year driving ban imposed on Gary McCourt on the grounds that it was “unduly lenient”.

He was found guilty in April of causing the death of Audrey Fyfe by driving carelessly and hitting the back wheel of her bike in Edinburgh.

The 75-year-old died two days after the accident in August 2011.

McCourt was also ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service.

At the end of the trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, it emerged he was convicted of causing another cyclist’s death by reckless driving in 1986.

Cycling groups joined Mrs Fyfe’s family in criticising the sentence.

The Crown Office today confirmed that a hearing will take place on August 6 at the Appeal Court in Edinburgh.

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