Killer driver launches bid to get licence back early

William Kennedy was today back at the High Court in Glasgow having been jailed for almost five years there in early 2020. Kennedy killed Patricia McIlwraith and left her husband Robert badly hurt following a crash on the A77 near Ballantrae, Ayrshire in July 2018. The 53-year-old had been going at more than 100mph at one stage to try and catch a ferry.

Kennedy's Ford Ranger ended up on the wrong side of the road and smashed into the couple's Ford Fusion. As well as the jail term, Kennedy, of Drongan, Ayrshire, was also banned from the road for a total of seven years and four months. He had pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

He is now trying to have his driving licence returned early. Gordon Jackson KC, defending, today told the hearing Kennedy has set up both landscaping and property businesses since being released three years ago. The advocate said: "His ability to work has been affected.

He uses drivers and family members and even a bike to do his job. "Anything he does is fiercely restricted due to his inability to drive himself. He has reconciled with his wife since his release from jail and her driving him is causing its own problems.

"She is not in employment and helps wherever she can." Mr Jackson further stated that Kennedy's mother who lives in Nottingham is receiving treatment for cancer. He added: "His inability to drive makes contact with his mother more difficult."

Prosecutor Vish Kathuria stated that, at present, he has been unable to contact the McIlwraith family for their views on the licence being returned to Kennedy. The hearing was adjourned until May for further information on Kennedy's circumstances in relation to family members driving him to work. But, Judge Lord Mulholland stated: "I am sympathetic in granting this."

The court in 2020 heard how the McIlwraiths had been married for 28 years and have two daughters. The couple, then of Colmonell in Ayrshire, had been returning from a shopping trip when tragedy struck. Kennedy crashed into the McIlwraiths' oncoming Ford Fusion.

He was said to have been going at 64mph - above the 50mph limit - at the time. Two passing doctors rushed to help the couple. Shop assistant Pauline, 49, was found to have died while her husband was flown to hospital in Glasgow.

A post-mortem revealed the mum had suffered a fatal chest injury. Her then 64-year-old husband Robert - known as Rab - spent several months in hospital. He suffered a broken spine, two punctured lungs and kidney damage.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell stated at the time: "His mobility has been substantially impaired and he needs to use a wheelchair most of the time. "He has had to move house to one which has been adapted. He will require significant assistance with daily living for the rest of his life."

Robert - who worked as a forester - had attended the sentencing hearing accompanied by family.

The brave dad used crutches to help him walk.

References

1. ^ Coatbridge man jailed for starving his dog to death (www.glasgowtimes.co.uk)
2. ^ Two men charged with alleged sex attack on woman (www.glasgowtimes.co.uk)