Tree crash driver at Kirky says lover screaming about wasp distracted him

A driver who crashed into a tree at Kirkintilloch claimed he was distracted by his screaming lover as a wasp had entered the car.

William McGarvey, 71, also drove onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a car on the B757 in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire in September 2019.

He pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to dangerous driving.

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The court heard the crash victim tried to avoid McGarvey’s car as it came towards him across the opposing carriageway.

Prosecutor Chris Farrell said: “The vehicles collided and the accused came to rest at a tree.”

McGarvey and his partner exited the car and he said: “It’s my fault, I know what I’ve done.”

He was traced two days later and arrested by police.

McGarvey said: “She let out a scream and grabbed me, the next thing I know I was on the other side of the road.”

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Ashley Pollock, defending, told the court that McGarvey, a pensioner, has two previous driving convictions.

The lawyer added: “He was in the vehicle with his former partner.

“She let out a loud scream as a result of a wasp entering the car and he lost control.

“His standard of driving fell below as he lost control and entered the opposing carriageway - he is regretful.

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“He lost control of his car as he was distracted by his partner.”

Sheriff Stuart Reid stated McGarvey, from Glasgow, had a “colourful record” and fined him £630 and disqualified him from driving for five years.

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