Speeding soldier fined for severely injuring pedestrian

A SOLDIER who left a man needing a wheelchair for four months after he threw him into the air with his car has been fined £3,600.

Andrew Hanley, 23, hit David Shirra as he crossed Argyle Street in Glasgow city centre while speeding at almost 50 mph.

Media consultant Mr Shirra was tossed into the air on 1 May 2010, and left bleeding from his head. He needed four operations to correct his injuries including a broken leg in three places, four torn ligaments, a broken pelvis and bruising to his brain.

Hanley, of Garvie Avenue, Gourock, pled guilty to dangerous driving by driving at excessive speed, hitting Mr Shirra causing him to be severely injured and permanently impaired to the danger of his life.

In addition to the fine, he was disqualified from driving for a year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court was told that at the time of the offence the street was lit, that the lights were in good working order and the road was quite busy.

The court was told Mr Shirra was off work for around six months and was hospitalised for almost six weeks, as well as being confined to a wheelchair for four months.

Mr Shirra will continue to have a slight impairment in his right arm and left leg and will walk with a limp. He also continues to have problems with his short-term memory and sees a specialist nurse.

The court heard Hanley – who previously served in Afghanistan – was “heartily sorry” for what happened.