Scott Nugent, 42, had just finished a 13-hour shift and was driving on Hawkhead Road in Paisley when he struck two men from behind. Stephen Craig, 50, and Craig McDermott, 40, were walking on the pavement as Nugent failed to negotiate a bend after falling asleep while driving his Peugeot 208. The High Court in Glasgow heard Mr Craig was knocked into the forecourt of a nearby petrol station, with Mr McDermott initially ending up on the bonnet of the vehicle.
The car eventually stopped after hitting a bus stop. Prosecutor David Dickson KC indicated that Nugent had worked a night shift and must have fallen asleep. There were no defects found with the Peugeot or the road, and there had been no evidence that Nugent had been using a phone at the time.
Both victims were rushed to the hospital. Married dad Mr Craig, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, passed away four days later. Mr McDermott was seriously hurt, including a bleed on the brain as well as fractures to his spine, face and ankle, and he still remains badly affected by his ordeal.
Nugent, of East Kilbride, pled guilty to a charge of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. Defense lawyer John Scullion KC said Nugent has asked him to apologize to the families, adding that the remorse is genuine and profound. Nugent had been on bail, but he was remanded in custody by Lord Arthurson.
Judge Lord Arthurson told Nugent he has pled guilty to grave offences – through his driving, he took the life of one man and inflicted catastrophic injuries on another. Sentencing was adjourned for reports until next month. Mr Craig's family said Stephen was a devoted husband and father and that his loss has been devastating for all who knew him.