A driver who knocked down and killed a 91-year-old man on a pedestrian crossing has avoided a prison sentence.
Retired draughtsman William Munro was using a walking aid on a shopping trip when he was struck by Sara McGuire’s Ford Kuga in Hamilton town centre.
The widower and father-of-one died from head injuries four days later.
McGuire, 34, of Oak Place, East Kilbride, was banned from driving for three years at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
She admitted failing to observe the pensioner and causing his death by careless driving in November 2020.
The collision happened around 9.30am when McGuire was on her way to work.
The court heard the pedestrian light at the crossing in Leechlee Road was at red.
But Mr Munro had almost crossed to the other side when he was hit.
McGuire failed to observe him and he was struck by the Kuga.
Mr Munro “rebounded” off the car on to the carriageway, suffering a serious head injury.
McGuire got out to assist him and contacted the emergency services. He was lying unconscious.
Questioned by police, McGuire said: “I was going round the corner. I was going to work.
“I did not see the gentleman crossing but I had a green light.”
McGuire tested negative for alcohol and drugs.
The court heard she has a previous conviction for careless driving for which she was fined and given three penalty points.
Defence agent Ross Yuill said mum of two McGuire appeared to have been “distracted” by other traffic as she approached what he described as “a slightly unusual and difficult junction”.
He told the court: “That is the only explanation she can give for not noticing Mr Munro.
“She has replayed it in her head many times.
“It will stay with her for the rest of her life.
“She doesn’t think she will get over the guilt of her actions having taken someone’s life.”
Sheriff Colin Dunipace extended his “deepest sympathy” to Mr Munro’s family for the loss of “a loving father and grandfather”.
He said McGuire had paid “inadequate” attention and expressed concern at her recent previous conviction for careless driving.
But the sheriff added: “You have shown the appropriate degree of remorse that I believe is genuine. My ultimate conclusion is there is an alternative to custody in this case.”
McGuire, who runs a vape products business, was ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid community work,
She will also be confined to her home between 7pm and 7am each day under a six-month electronic tagging order.
Sheriff Dunipace warned her: “Breach these orders in any way and the court will take the view that there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”
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