3 days Ago By [email protected] (Emylie Howie, Jordan Shepherd)
A mum who knocked down a pensioner leaving her with a fractured shoulder has escaped a jail term. Danielle Murray was driving her Nissan Juke when she into a 79-year-old woman in Renfrew in November 2022. Murray admitted dangerous driving by driving at “excessive speed” on the opposing carriageway and by failing to keep a proper look out, reports the The 30-year-old cut the corner of a junction and collided with Margaret Spalding, causing her to fall to the ground.
Mrs Spalding was left with a fractured shoulder and has struggled with everyday life following the incident. Procurator fiscal depute Alison McFadyen previously told Paisley Sheriff Court that Muir Street and Hairst Street both have a 30mph speed limit. At the time of the incident, it was daylight but visibility was poor and it was raining heavily.
Ms McFadyen explained: “Around 12.45pm on November 2, 2022, the accused was parked within her car, a Nissan Juke, on Hairst Street. “She reversed out of her space and progressed south bound along Hairst Street in the direction of Renfrew before making a sharp and fast turn, cutting the corner into Muir Street.
“At this time, Margaret Spalding and her husband were on the opposite side of the road. Both were crossing Muir Street and were almost on the other side of the junction when the accused cut the corner failing to check if the junction was clear and collided with Mrs Spalding. “She then fell to the ground causing injury to her right shoulder and was lying on the pavement.
“An ambulance and the police were called by a passer-by. “Police arrived and observed Mrs Spalding lying on the ground unable to get up due to feeling pain in her right arm.” Court heard Murray confirmed to cops she was the driver of the car and she was charged with careless and inconsiderate driving.
However, after a review of CCTV footage which captured the full incident, the charge was amended to dangerous driving. Ms McFadyen added: “Mrs Spalding was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital by paramedics where she received an x-ray for her shoulder. Mrs Spalding sustained a fracture to her right shoulder.
“Following the incident, the victim has had limited mobility in her affected arm and was undergoing treatment at hospital as an out patient. The injury has severely affected her ability to undertake the tasks of daily living.” Defence agent, James Arrol told the court Murray is a single mum who suffers from arthritis.
He explained: “Due to this, she has been deemed unsuitable for unpaid work. That is not her fault. “The report states she would be suitable for a restriction of liberty but it is a request we extend the hours from 9.
30pm to 7am in order so she can take her daughter to clubs in the evening.” Sheriff Gillian Craig stated: “So what your saying is I’ve to consider a restriction of liberty order so she can take her daughter to clubs and not send her to jail?” Sentencing, Sheriff Craig said: “Thirty seconds of poor driving, dangerous driving on your part, has had a huge impact on Mrs Spalding. “She fractured her shoulder which has affected her daily life.
And given your current limited mobility, I’m sure you understand how this affects Mrs Spalding daily. “You have expressed extreme remorse and have extended your apology to Mrs Spalding. “What to do with you? The threshold for a custodial disposal is met but I will take a step back from that.
” Murray was banned from driving for 32 months and ordered to resit the extended driving test. In addition, she was ordered to wear a tag, keeping her within her home address for 20 weeks from 9.30pm to 7am each day.
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