Driver Admits Causing Death Of Woman In Glasgow

23 September 2016, 12:23

A speeding drink driver has admitted causing the death of a mother in a crash as she returned home from her son's wedding.

Mary Laurie, also known as Marie, was making her way back from the celebrations in November last year when the taxi she and her husband had just entered was hit by a car being chased by police in Glasgow.

The 57-year-old, from Easterhouse, lost consciousness minutes after being thrown through a window of the cab in the collision at the junction of Edinburgh Road and Springboig Road.

Her family listened in court as they heard the man driving the car, 21-year-old Steven Bennie, reached about 80mph in a 30mph zone as he tried shake off the police pursuit.

During the chase, Bennie - who was behind the wheel without having a full driving licence - ignored red lights and had swerved to avoid another vehicle.

He also repeatedly ignored his passenger's request to let her out of the car prior to the crash, which left Mrs Laurie's husband James with seven rib fractures.

Bennie, who was 20 at the time, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Bennie, of Pettigrew Street, Glasgow, also admitted driving while over the legal alcohol limit and driving without the right licence and insurance.

He will be sentenced next month.