A drunk driver who hit and killed a Paisley grandfather while driving at 91 miles per hour has admitted causing his death.
The incident took place on Bredilands Road and led to the death of 63-year-old pedestrian Jim Paterson.
Callum Fox, 29, struck Mr Paterson in the early hours of 27th November 2022. The collision happened on a 30mph stretch of the road in Paisley.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that Fox had been “really drunk” after spending the night drinking cocktails with friends. Despite being urged not to drive, he got behind the wheel of his Mercedes AMG A45 to head to a house party. He was later found to be two-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit based on blood alcohol readings.
Jim, a dad of three and a granddad, had been heading home after what was described as a “curry night” with his friend and cousin. He died at the scene after being struck while crossing the road.
Fox pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Lord Cubie said: “You caused the tragic and untimely death of Mr Paterson.
“There is nothing the court can do to properly reflect the loss and devastation which is still evident today.
“The offence arose as a consequence of your alcohol intake – you were two-and-a-half times over the limit.
“This was your own selfish disregard for the road for your own convenience and against advice given to you.
“The speed reached is a material impact – it was grossly excessive doing 90 miles per hour in a 30 while accelerating. It gave Mr Paterson no chance of survival.
“The state of the appalling driving cannot be higher and standing the plea and consequences to Mr Paterson a substantial prison sentence will follow.”
Jim was described as a plater and shipyard worker in good health and a keen golfer. He had been married to Margaret Fadian for 46 years and had three adult children and grandchildren.
He had spent the evening in Paisley with his cousin, John Paterson, and friend Ian Richardson. Although he had a few beers, the court was told he was not drunk when he left to walk home around 12.15am.
Fox had spent the night drinking six or seven alcoholic drinks at Lumins Cocktail and Sports Bar in Paisley. A friend later told police he was “really drunk.” Despite this, Fox drove his friends towards a house party in Foxbar.
Witnesses described him “overtaking at speed”, “driving really fast” and “swerving all over the road.”
Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC said: “Just after 12.26am, Mr Paterson started to cross the road and was struck by Fox’s car.”
Airbag data showed Fox accelerated from 66mph five seconds before the impact to 91mph at the moment of collision.
Jim was pronounced dead at 12.33am with “significant external and internal” injuries, including multiple fractures. His left arm and both lower legs were amputated in the impact.
Fox immediately admitted responsibility to officers, saying: “It was me, I was driving when I hit the guy.”
Blood tests later confirmed he had 113 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 50.
Defence lawyer John Scullion KC told the court: “My client is under no illusion that he will receive nothing other than custody.”
Fox, a self-employed timeshare salesman from Paisley, was remanded in custody. Sentencing was deferred for background reports until January at the High Court in Kilmarnock.
Headline photo: 63-year-old Paisley grandfather Jim Paterson, who died after being struck by a drunk driver on Bredilands Road
Photo Credit: Issued by Police Scotland