A speeding driver knocked down and killed a 15-year-old boy then fled the scene.
Passing off duty nurses tried desperately to revive schoolboy Steven Mcilquham, but he couldn’t be saved.
A court heard today, September 23, that Steven’s frantic mum, Amanda, reported him missing when he failed to turn up as planned at his grandparents’ home. Police officers then realised that his description matched that of the collision victim.
Brian Buchanan, 22, admitted causing Steven’s death by careless driving on Alexander Street, Wishaw, Lanarkshire, on New Year’s Day 2020. He also admitted failing to stop after the fatal crash.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Steven was hit by Buchanan’s Volkswagen Golf as he crossed the road, where the speed limit is 30, around 9.30pm.
Police investigators estimated Buchanan’s speed at around 45 miles an hour at the point of impact.
Steven was thrown on to the windscreen and over the top of the car. He suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Buchanan, who had been on his way to a McDonalds for food, drove on with his windscreen shattered and returned to his girlfriend’s home in Wishaw.
Harry Findlay, prosecuting, told the court: “He looked shocked and upset. She questioned him and he said ‘I think someone ran out in front of me. What do I do now?’
“He was advised to attend the police station but before doing so he phoned his father in a hysterical state.”
Buchanan, of Shotts, told officers he panicked and drove on after the collision. Mr Findlay said Steven might not have heard the approaching car because he was wearing a hat and ear buds, and might have been using his mobile phone. He might not have realised how fast the Golf was travelling.
But the prosecutor added: “The accused failed to react in the appropriate way to the presence of Steven on the carriageway. He failed to observe him despite having a maximum view of approximately 350 metres.”
The court heard Buchanan has a previous conviction for careless driving for which he received eight penalty points and had received a further three points for a fixed penalty offence.
Sheriff Martin Jones deferred sentence until November for a criminal justice social work report and an electronic tagging assessment.
The sheriff imposed an interim driving ban.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
