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Jail for pedestrian death driver Jail for pedestrian death driver
(about 3 hours later)
A 22-year-old driver found guilty of causing the death of a pensioner in Fife has been jailed for six years.A 22-year-old driver found guilty of causing the death of a pensioner in Fife has been jailed for six years.
Grant Whyte, hit and killed pedestrian Senga Elder, 67, in Auchtermuchty on 24 January 2008.Grant Whyte, hit and killed pedestrian Senga Elder, 67, in Auchtermuchty on 24 January 2008.
Whyte, from Auchtermuchty, had been seen driving at high speed close behind another vehicle before the crash.Whyte, from Auchtermuchty, had been seen driving at high speed close behind another vehicle before the crash.
The other driver, Alan Duffus, 62, who runs a motorcycle shop in Kirkcaldy, was sentenced to 240 hours of community service at the High Court in Edinburgh. The other driver, Alan Duffus, 62, who runs a motorcycle shop in Kirkcaldy, was sentenced to 240 hours of community service for dangerous driving.
Duffus, from Kinnesswood in Fife , a former Isle of Man TT racer, and Whyte, a delivery driver, were both also banned from driving for 10 years. At the High Court in Edinburgh, Duffus, from Kinnesswood in Fife , a former Isle of Man TT racer, and Whyte, a delivery driver, were both also banned from driving for 10 years.
You will have to live with the responsibility for that death but the Elder family have to live with the consequences Lady DorrianHigh Court in EdinburghYou will have to live with the responsibility for that death but the Elder family have to live with the consequences Lady DorrianHigh Court in Edinburgh
Last month the High Court in Dundee heard witnesses to the incident say they had heard the loud sound of engines and then saw two cars driving closely together and at speed. Last month, the High Court in Dundee heard witnesses to the incident say they had heard the loud sound of engines and then saw two cars driving closely together and at speed.
Witnesses described how Duffus' powerful red BMW Z4 sped along the road about noon. Witnesses described how Duffus' powerful red BMW Z4 sped along the road at about noon.
Whyte's modified Vauxhall Corsa was just a few yards behind.Whyte's modified Vauxhall Corsa was just a few yards behind.
Just before the 30mph sign near Station Road, Auchtermuchty, the BMW slowed suddenly and the Corsa left the road.Just before the 30mph sign near Station Road, Auchtermuchty, the BMW slowed suddenly and the Corsa left the road.
Questioned by police, Whyte said he might have been doing 60mph as he came over a hill and headed for the village.Questioned by police, Whyte said he might have been doing 60mph as he came over a hill and headed for the village.
He took his eye off the road for a moment and glanced back to see the red car braking sharply.He took his eye off the road for a moment and glanced back to see the red car braking sharply.
He said that he was forced to brake harder, and felt the back of his car slide away. He said he was forced to brake harder, and felt the back of his car slide away.
Mrs Elder was walking home from work at Myres Castle when she was sent flying through the air and into a skate park.Mrs Elder was walking home from work at Myres Castle when she was sent flying through the air and into a skate park.
Alan Duffus was sentenced to 240 hours of community serviceAlan Duffus was sentenced to 240 hours of community service
Whyte's car then smashed into a metal fence between the skate park and the road.Whyte's car then smashed into a metal fence between the skate park and the road.
Mrs Elder died instantly from head and spinal injuries, the trial heard.Mrs Elder died instantly from head and spinal injuries, the trial heard.
Duffus, who has a previous conviction for death by dangerous driving, and Whyte were accused of being involved in a car race at dangerous and excessive speeds along winding country roads. Whyte and Duffus, who has a previous conviction for death by dangerous driving, were accused of being involved in a car race at dangerous and excessive speeds along winding country roads.
Defence QC Andrew Lamb, for first offender Whyte, told the court on Thursday: "This young man is devastated by the consequences, not just for his own family but also for the family of the deceased. He has shown genuine remorse." Defence QC Andrew Lamb, for first offender Whyte, told the court: "This young man is devastated by the consequences, not just for his own family but also for the family of the deceased. He has shown genuine remorse."
Passing sentence, Lady Dorrian told him: "You will have to live with the responsibility for that death but the Elder family have to live with the consequences."Passing sentence, Lady Dorrian told him: "You will have to live with the responsibility for that death but the Elder family have to live with the consequences."
Peter Gray QC, for Duffus, asked for leniency pointing out that the jury had cleared him of the racing allegation.Peter Gray QC, for Duffus, asked for leniency pointing out that the jury had cleared him of the racing allegation.
Insp David Houston, of Fife Constabulary, said: "The prison sentence of six years handed down to Grant Whyte reflects the serious consequences that face drivers who drive dangerously and cause the death of an innocent person."