A drunk driver who killed a grandfather while speeding at 91mph in a 30mph zone pleaded guilty today at the High Court in Glasgow. Callum Fox, 29, struck and killed Jim Paterson, 63, in the early hours of November 27, 2022, in Paisley while driving more than two-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit.
Fox was driving a Mercedes AMG A45 when he hit Paterson just after 12:26am. Analysis showed Fox accelerated from 66mph to 91mph in the five seconds before the collision. He had consumed six or seven drinks at Lumins Cocktail and Sports Bar earlier that evening.
A breath test revealed Fox had 113 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 50 milligrams. A friend described him as "really drunk" and advised him not to drive, but Fox ignored the warning and got behind the wheel to drive friends to a house party in the Foxbar area.
Witnesses reported seeing Fox "overtaking at speed," "driving really fast," and "swerving all over the road" before the crash. Paterson, a plater and shipyard worker, was walking home after a curry night with his cousin and friend when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at 12:33am.
Victim's severe injuries
Paterson suffered significant external and internal injuries including fractures of the skull, spine, sternum, and collarbone. His left arm and both lower legs were amputated. The father of three adult children and grandfather had been married for 46 years.
Fox remained at the scene after the crash. He told police officers: «It was me, I was driving when I hit the guy.»
Judge condemns "selfish disregard"
Judge Lord Cubie addressed Fox in court today: «You caused the tragic and untimely death of Mr Patterson.» He added: «The offence arose as a consequence of your alcohol intake - you were two-and-a-half times over the limit.»
The judge continued: «This was your own selfish disregard for the road for your own convenience and against advice given to you.» He emphasized: «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.»
Lord Cubie stated: «The state of the appalling driving cannot be higher and standing the plea and consequences to Mr Patterson a substantial prison sentence will follow.»
Fox's defense lawyer, John Scullion KC, told the court: «My client is under no illusion that he will receive nothing other than custody.»
Sentencing has been deferred until January at the High Court in Kilmarnock pending a background report. Fox, a self-employed timeshare salesman and first offender, remains in custody.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
