Pensioner appears in court accused of killing woman crossing the road
John Whiteside hit Linda Gallacher in Glasgow's Sandyhills in March 2020
Last updated 14th Dec 2023
A pensioner’s been caught on camera driving into a woman crossing the road and killing her.
John Whiteside hit Linda Gallacher in broad daylight near his home in Glasgow's Sandyhills on March 10, 2020.
The 80-year-old told a witness: "She came out of nowhere."
But collision investigators concluded the OAP "failed to observe or react" to Miss Gallagher.
Whiteside - who uses as a walking frame as an aid – appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow today.
He had been due to stand trial accused of causing the 60-year-old’s death by dangerous driving.
But Whiteside - via his lawyer Iain McSporran KC - pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
The pensioner was bailed, but warned he could still face a jail-term when he is sentenced in the New Year.
The court heard how Whiteside had been driving his Nissan Qashqai that day.
He turned left into Culrain Street in the city's east end as Miss Gallacher stepped onto the road.
She had her back to the car as it approached.
Prosecutor Scott McKenzie said Miss Gallacher was then struck from behind just over three seconds after she walked onto the road.
Whiteside came to a halt as a woman nearby yelled at him to stop.
Mr McKenzie said: "She believed Linda Gallacher was now under the car, so told Whiteside to reverse.
"The car moved momentarily backwards following the heavy braking to stop the vehicle.
"It was again driven on top of Linda Gallacher as she lay on the ground.
"When Whiteside brought the car to a halt, the front driver side wheel was on top of her.
“He reversed his car clear and parked."
Footage of the tragic incident was played out in court.
Whiteside became emotional as it was shown.
The hearing was told Whiteside was described as looking "shocked" after getting out his Nissan that day.
Miss Gallacher was found to be unconscious and bleeding.
She did not recover from the multiple and significant injuries she sustained to her head, torso and limbs.
It was later concluded that the collision had been "avoidable”.
Lord Mulholland was handed victim impact statements by Miss Gallacher's grieving mother and sister.
None of the details were read in court.
Defence lawyer Mr McSporran said: "For three years and nine months, John Whiteside has lived with the knowledge that he is responsible for a death by his driving."
He added the OAP "simply cannot explain how it happened".
Mr McSporran then said: "He is not able to assist other than knowing he was alerted by a neighbour."
Whiteside was said to be in "a panic" when he ended up driving over Miss Gallacher rather than it being deliberate.
Lord Mulholland deferred sentencing for reports until next month.
The judge: "This remains a very serious matter. It brings you to the high court.
"Regardless of your age, it can attract a sentence of imprisonment and that is in the forefront of my mind."
Whiteside was banned from driving meantime.