Tree crash driver at Kirky says lover screaming about wasp distracted him
William McGarvey, 71, also drove onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a car on the B757 in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire in September 2019.
He pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to dangerous driving.
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Hide AdThe court heard the crash victim tried to avoid McGarvey’s car as it came towards him across the opposing carriageway.
Prosecutor Chris Farrell said: “The vehicles collided and the accused came to rest at a tree.”
McGarvey and his partner exited the car and he said: “It’s my fault, I know what I’ve done.”
He was traced two days later and arrested by police.
McGarvey said: “She let out a scream and grabbed me, the next thing I know I was on the other side of the road.”
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Hide AdAshley Pollock, defending, told the court that McGarvey, a pensioner, has two previous driving convictions.
The lawyer added: “He was in the vehicle with his former partner.
“She let out a loud scream as a result of a wasp entering the car and he lost control.
“His standard of driving fell below as he lost control and entered the opposing carriageway - he is regretful.
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Hide Ad“He lost control of his car as he was distracted by his partner.”
Sheriff Stuart Reid stated McGarvey, from Glasgow, had a “colourful record” and fined him £630 and disqualified him from driving for five years.
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