Learner driver on a cocktail of drugs killed childhood friend in Ballieston crash
Ramsay Stevenson crashed during a high speed chase with police in October last year, killing his childhood friend who was a passenger
A learner driver who had earlier taken a cocktail of drugs killed a friend following a high speed police chase.
Ramsay Stevenson crashed his Vauxhall Meriva in Baillieston, Glasgow after being pursued for around six miles.
Passenger Cameron Donaldson, 20, who he had known since nursery school – never survived the horror smash.
A woman in the car also ended up badly hurt after Stevenson lost control in October last year.
But, a judge heard how the 21 year-old left his stricken friends – before being found hiding in a garden.
It emerged Stevenson – who was already on bail for driving offences – had taken amphetamine, ecstasy and etizolam drugs before getting behind the wheel.
Stevenson – who only held a provisional licence – is now behind bars after he pled guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
He will be sentenced in the New Year.
The High Court in Glasgow heard how police spotted Stevenson driving out of a Tesco car park in the city's Shettleston in the early hours of last October 1.
A check revealed he was not insured and that the Vauxhall had been declared off-road.
Officers ordered to Stevenson to pull in.
But, prosecutor Lynsay MacDonald said: “He did not stop and instead accelerated away.”
As police went after him, Stevenson reached speeds of up to 90mph.
The chase went into nearby Springboig then onto the A8 in Baillieston as officers were then ordered to give up.
Miss MacDonald: “Stevenson...lost control, collided with a tree before the car came to a halt.”
Front seat passenger Pauline McDowell, 27, was trapped in the motor with factory worker Cameron slumped in the back.
But, the prosecutor added: “Stevenson got out of the car and ran away.
“He was initially chased (by police), but he got away. He was later found hiding under a tree in a garden.”
Stevenson was held – and denied being the driver of the Vauxhall.
His friends were rushed to hospital.
Cameron was initially found to have massive internal injuries. He eventually suffered a brain injury and died eight days later.
Pauline had bleeding on the brain as well as fractures. She was able to leave hospital around a fortnight after the crash.
The court heard Stevenson suffered a ruptured liver. It was during blood tests that the drugs were found in his system.
It could not be said exactly when the substances were taken.
Lord Matthews remanded Stevenson in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports.
After his death, Cameron's mum Caroline Kelly paid tribute to her “fun loving and caring boy”.
She added: “My heart is broken and he will be very sadly missed by everyone. Goodnight my boy. I'll love you always and forever."
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