Drink-driver admits killing dog-walker in Motherwell

A man with two previous drink-driving convictions has admitted killing a woman who was walking her dog in a crash while he was over the limit and flouting a driving ban.

Victim Linda Carson with her dog Buster. Picture: Hemedia

Darren Ferris, 24, who had been drinking Buckfast, lost control of his Ford Mondeo and ploughed into 44-year-old Linda Carson, who was on the pavement, just after 8pm on 27 September in Muirhouse Road, Motherwell.

Advocate depute Alex Prentice QC, prosecuting, said: “The accused was seen driving the Mondeo at excessive speed and causing some observers to make comments that the car was ‘flying past’ and the accused was driving ‘like an idiot’.”

The High Court in Glasgow heard that Ferris was unable to control the car on a right-hand bend, left the road, mounted the pavement and struck Mrs Carson who was walking her terrier Buster.

His car then smashed into a wall.

The court was told that Ferris got out the car and spoke to Mrs Carson who was lying on the pavement.

A bystander saw him put his hands to his head, shout “for f***’s sake” before jumping over the car bonnet and fleeing.

“One of the people who tried to help Mrs Carson called the mobile number on the dog’s collar and spoke to 47-year-old Mr Carson. Mr Prentice said: “When he received the call her husband rushed to the scene with his 11-year-old daughter.

“They were confronted with the tragic scene.” Mrs Carson died from multiple injuries, including a head injury.

Ferris admitted causing the death of Mrs Carson by driving dangerously while under the influence of alcohol and at excessive speed.

He also pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, with no insurance, no licence, attempting to defeat the ends of justice to throwing away the car keys and failing to admit he was the driver.

The court heard that Ferris, from Motherwell, has a number of previous convictions. Sentence was deferred.