Home / Crime and Justice / Disqualified Driver Kills Great-Grandfather at 85mph
Disqualified Driver Kills Great-Grandfather at 85mph
31 Jul
Summary
- Driver admitted causing death by dangerous driving in a stolen Maserati.
- He was speeding at 85mph in a 30mph zone and had taken cocaine.
- The victim was a 74-year-old great-grandfather with 10 grandchildren.
A disqualified driver, Fraser Garden, has admitted to causing the death of 74-year-old John Bell in Broughty Ferry. The incident occurred in April when Garden, who has 90 previous convictions and two lifetime driving bans, crashed a stolen Maserati into Mr. Bell's garden, fatally striking the great-grandfather.
Garden was driving at an estimated 85mph in a 30mph zone and had consumed cocaine. He had stolen the luxury vehicle from a local garage and was driving recklessly, overtaking cars and running a red light before losing control.
The court heard that Mr. Bell, a retired taxi driver, was pinned against a wall and pronounced dead at the scene. His widow witnessed Garden exit the vehicle dazed. Garden later refused to provide a blood sample.
Judge Lord Braid described Garden's actions as "truly appalling" and deferred sentencing until August 21. Mr. Bell was a devoted family man with 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
