Death crash driver was high on drugs

Published 1 Sep 2010 16:27

A DRIVER who killed a Tillicoultry woman in a head on car smash after taking drugs has been told he is facing a lengthy jail sentence.

Whilst racing with another man, Brian Redfern's car suddenly veered across the road after overtaking and collided with an oncoming Citreon Saxo being driven by Rachael Ward (20) who suffered fatal injuries.

Stacey Ross (17), a passenger in the Vauxhall Astra being driven by Redfern, was trapped in the vehicle and was freed by firemen before being taken to hospital where she underwent surgery.

At the High Court in Edinburgh Judge Lord Tyre told Redfern (27), "You have pled guilty to causing the death of a 20-year-old girl and serious injuries to your own passenger by a course of dangerous driving which was utterly reckless and moreover while you were under the influence of amphetamine."

Lord Tyre added that he was "minded at the moment to impose a substantial custodial sentence" in his case.

Redfern, a sub-manager at a paving firm, admitted causing the death of Miss Ward, of Stalker Avenue, on 16 January this year by driving dangerously on the A908 Alloa to Tillicoultry road at excessive speed and while under the influence of amphetamine - commonly dubbed "speed".

The court heard that after the fatal collision, blood samples taken from Redfern, of Stoneyacre, Tillicoultry, proved positive for the Class B drug.

Advocate depute Andrew Stewart QC said a report on the effects of the drug was obtained and the expert said that the level found in Redfern "would have produced the pharmacological effects associated with high dose amphetamine".

The prosecutor added, "He (the expert) stated that low doses of amphetamine had not been found to impair driving but that higher doses increase accidents primarily due to risk taking."

Co-accused apprentice plumber Craig Lawson (21), of Benbuck View, Coalsnaughton, had also faced a charge of causing the victim's death by dangerous driving. But the Crown accepted his guilty plea to a charge restricted to dangerous driving.

Lord Tyre told him, "You have pled guilty to a course of dangerous driving which put the lives of a number of other drivers at risk.

"I consider your conduct such that I am bound to consider whether a custodial sentence is appropriate."

The court heard that Miss Ward was returning home from work on a Saturday evening when she was killed in the crash after sustaining fatal injuries.

Accident investigators estimated that before the impact her car was travelling at about 25mph.

Redfern's Astra was doing about 62mph before the collision, but his brakes had left locked tyre marks on the road and it was estimated he was speeding at a minimum of 74-77mph when they were first made.

Mr Stewart said that prior to the crash a couple had passed Redfern's car and the passenger, who was a driving instructor, estimated that he was travelling at 50-60mph at a part of the road where the speed limit is 40mph.

The driver had to swerve to avoid Redfern's car which was over the white lines in the middle of the road.

Another couple had seen both Redfern and Lawson, who was driving a Vauxhall Vectra, at speeds well in excess of the limit. Lawson was driving behind Redfern but was gaining on him.

Another driver, Stuart Balmer, was driving eastwards in his Audi when he looked in his rear view mirror and saw Redfern and Lawson coming up behind at a speed "well in excess" of 60mph.

The prosecutor said Redfern was "driving bumper to bumper" with the back of Lawson's car and both overtook Mr Balmer.

Mr Stewart said Mr Balmer had seen Miss Ward's car coming in the opposite direction and slowed down to allow Lawson and Redfern more time to return to the right side of the road after overtaking him.

The advocate depute said, "Lawson pulled in front of Balmer and drove off. Redfern pulled in front of him and behind Lawson.

"As he did so Redfern suddenly veered across the road and collided with the oncoming Saxo."

After the crash Redfern was also taken to hospital where he was treated for a fractured kneecap and cut to his face.

Following the collision both Redfern and first offender Lawson, who did not know each other, were initially charged with culpable homicide by police.

Redfern's defence counsel Dale Hughes said he was suffering from depression.

He told the judge, "He is well aware of the gravity of the proceedings and stands before you deeply remorseful for the actions which have affected the lives of so many."

Lord Tyre called for background reports on both men and deferred sentence on them.

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