Pensioner convicted of killing woman in crash
Retired labourer William Greenfield caused a head-on smash near Carstairs on Hogmanay 2018.
Last updated 16th Jun 2021
A pensioner who failed to alert the DVLA about his epilepsy later killed a woman in a horror crash. William Greenfield was in his Ford Transit van when he struck a Volvo driven by Angela Hardy head-on.
The 68 year-old retired labourer had tried to overtake another vehicle before causing the Hogmanay 2018 tragedy.
Mum Angela, also 68, was killed in the crash on the A721 near Carstairs, Lanarkshire.
Greenfield - a first offender - now faces jail after he was convicted of causing the death by dangerous driving after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Jurors were told how the OAP suffered from epilepsy.
He had failed to inform the DVLA on four separate occasions between - dating back to 2002 - about his condition.
In his closing speech to jurors, prosecutor Chris Fyffe told the court: “He said he was told by his consultant there was no need to tell the DVLA due to his level of medication.
“He told his doctor that he did not suffer a seizure or felt like he had.
“There was no medical diagnosis of a seizure…or that he was unwell.”
Greenfield, of Forth, Lanarkshire, had his bail continued as sentencing was deferred until next month.
The court heard how the pensioner had overtaken two vehicles in his van shortly before the December 31 crash.
He then went on to tailgate a woman in her car.
Mr Fyffe told jurors: “He was so close to the bumper that she could only see his bonnet.
“Miss Reid believed Greenfield was going overtake her.
“Miss Hardy had the misfortune to be travelling in the opposite direction.
“Witnesses heard a noise and Greenfield spun off to a grass verge before rolling down an embankment.
“Miss Hardy's car ended up on the roof, she was suspended by her seatbelt and was fatally injured.
Greenfield - who suffered a head injury - was able to free himself from the van.
He told police that he could not remember what happened.
After the verdict, Mr Fyffe handed Lord Armstrong victim impact statements from Angela's husband, daughter, step-daughter and step-son.
The judge disqualified Greenfield from driving meantime and deferred sentencing for reports.