ERI manager who reversed over Edinburgh OAP while out for morning paper avoids jail

His lawyer told how Creedican had lost his own mother due to a road traffic accident when he was a child.

A hospital project manager who killed a 92 year-old woman as he reversed out of his driveway has walked free from court.

Francis Creedican hit Christina Young while she was out to get her morning paper after failing to keep a proper lookout in his Mercedes on October 16 2018.

The 58 year-old rushed out to help the stricken pensioner following the tragic incident outside his home in Southhouse Avenue, Edinburgh.

The tragic incident took place outside his home in Southhouse Avenue

But, Mrs Young - who had recently been told her breast cancer was treatable with tablets - never recovered and died later that evening.

Creedican - who works at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary - returned to the dock today having earlier admitted to a charge of causing death by careless driving.

His lawyer told how Creedican had lost his own mother due to a road traffic accident when he was a child.

Lord Matthews spared him jail and instead ordered the first offender to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work.

The judge at the High Court in Glasgow described how Mrs Young was a "much loved" mother and gran.

He told Creedican: "Her daughter in Edinburgh had to undergo the heartbreaking experience of being with her when she died.

"Her other daughter in Australia was back in Scotland for a visit only a matter of weeks before the death little knowing this was the last time she would see her mother alive."

Lord Matthews added: "Reading their dignified statements, my impression is that they (the family) would not be concerned with revenge.

"But, both you and they are entitled to expect that the punishment will be in accordance with the law and will fit the crime."

Creedican was also banned from the road for the next three years and nine months.

A previous hearing was told how Mrs Young was very fit for her age, but used a walking aid for support.

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