'Rally driver' caused fatal crash

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A teenager who drove "like a rally driver" has admitted causing the death of his 16-year-old passenger by dangerous driving.

Irving Gracie, 19, of Rowanbank Road, Dumfries, reached speeds of about 116mph just before the crash which left Danny McQueen dead at the scene.

Another passenger was also seriously hurt in the incident on the A75 near Dumfries on 21 February this year.

Sentence on Gracie was deferred at the High Court in Glasgow for reports.

The court heard how the car was left "obliterated" with its engine, tyres and windows missing after Gracie lost control and swerved into two trees.

This a clear example of young men who fail to appreciate the dangers associated with driving at excessive speed. Lord Turnbull

Prosecutor Alison Di Rollo told the court that the young driver had been at a party drinking Buckfast when he was asked to go and pick up Mr McQueen and his friends from Annan train station.

Gracie's friend Darren Bell went with him to pick up Mr McQueen who, along with Christopher McLaughlan, got into the back seat of the car.

Miss Di Rollo said: "As they approached the outskirts of Dumfries, Darren Bell became concerned about the accused's driving as for no apparent reason he started driving very fast 'like a rally driver'.

"He went up and down the gears, revving the car to its maximum, and reaching increasing speeds.

Danny McQueen died at the scene of the crash near Dumfries

"According to Bell, the accused seemed to change his demeanour and took on a look in his eye which he described as a 'crazed' look."

Gracie approached a junction travelling at an estimated speed of 116mph before losing control coming out of a dip in the road.

Miss Di Rollo said the vehicle hit a tree with such force that parts of it were thrown 32m (104ft) through the air.

She added: "The remaining part of the car left the ground and struck the top of a sandstone wall before colliding with a second tree."

Mr McQueen, formerly of Lovers Walk, Dumfries, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr McLaughlan was taken to Dumfries Infirmary where he had three operations on a broken arm and leg.

Gracie was also taken to hospital where he received treatment for broken ribs and a spinal fracture.

'Disgraceful fashion'

He later told police that he had only been driving at 50mph and had swerved to avoid a fox on the road.

Miss Di Rollo said: "The catastrophic loss of control and impact at high speed resulted in the untimely and tragic death of Danny McQueen."

Judge Lord Turnbull added: "This a clear example of young men who fail to appreciate the dangers associated with driving at excessive speed.

"I recognise that you did not intend to cause the death of Daniel McQueen. However, it's clear that you drove in the most disgraceful fashion and the consequences of that were horrendous."

Gracie was remanded in custody to await sentence.