Driver in high-speed death crash was under the influence of drugs

Brian Redfern, 27, and the driver of another car were bumper to bumper and travelling at about 75mph on a country road as they overtook a vehicle in their path.

Redfern lost control of his Vauxhall Astra and smashed into a car coming in the opposite direction, causing instantly fatal injuries to its driver, Rachael Ward, 20.

Later, tests revealed he had taken amphetamine, which is known to increase risk-taking among drivers.

Redfern, of Stoneyacre, Tillicoultry in Clackmannanshire, admitted causing the death of Ms Ward, of Stalker Avenue, also Tillicoultry, on 16 January by driving dangerously while under the influence of amphetamine. He will be sentenced next month, but was told by a judge to expect a "substantial" jail term.

Craig Lawson, 21, of Benbuck View, Coalsnaughton, near Tillicoultry, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving. He will also be sentenced later.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard the collision happened on the A908 Alloa-Tillicoultry road about 6:30pm on a Saturday.

Advocate-depute Andrew Stewart, QC, said Redfern and Lawson were unknown to each other. Ms Ward was alone in her Citron Saxo, driving home from work.

Mr Stewart said a driver had to swerve to avoid Redfern's car, which was over the white lines in the middle of the road. Next, his vehicle was seen with Lawson's silver Vauxhall Vectra behind it. Both were speeding.

A man driving in the same direction noticed the two cars in his rear-view mirror. They were on the wrong side of the road, overtaking him. Lawson was now in front.

"Redfern was driving bumper to bumper to the back of Lawson's car," said Mr Stewart.

Redfern pulled in, but suddenly veered back to the wrong side of the road and hit the Saxo.

Ms Ward was found to be dead at the scene. A passenger in Redfern's car, Stacey Ross, 17, had to be cut free by firefighters. She suffered multiple fractures.

Mr Stewart said Redfern tested positive for amphetamine. In large enough doses, the drug increased accidents, primarily due to risk-taking.

Lord Tyre said Redfern's driving had been utterly reckless