Scots cop admits killing woman, 58, while speeding in patrol van

A police officer has confessed to causing the death of a 58-year-old woman after striking her while speeding in his patrol van. PC Jamie Hamill, 32, tragically injured Margaret McCarron in Motherwell, Lanarkshire. The incident occurred in September 2021 when Hamill was driving a marked Ford Transit and collided with McCarron. Despite being rushed to University Hospital Wishaw for urgent treatment, McCarron succumbed to her injuries shortly after her arrival. In a recent court appearance at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Hamill pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Prosecutors revealed that Hamill was driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone when he hit McCarron as she was crossing Merry Street to visit a nearby garage. The court learned that Hamill and his colleague were en route to Bellshill to investigate a car without valid insurance when the tragic accident occurred. They had initially spotted the car while on patrol, turned the police van around with emergency lights on, and reached speeds of 52mph. However, they lost track of the car and decided to question the owner at an address in Bellshill. As they were passing through Motherwell with their emergency lights turned off, the collision with McCarron happened around 8.15 pm.

Depute fiscal Niall MacLeod recounted that Hamill tried to assist McCarron by performing CPR and calling for help, mentioning that “someone walked in front of the van.” Despite the efforts of a passing midwife and subsequent paramedics, McCarron could not be saved, with a post-mortem report indicating severe chest and neck injuries as the cause of death. The court was informed that although McCarron had alcohol in her system, her husband denied that she was drunk. Hamill, with 18 months of service, was described as visibly upset after the incident and tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

During the court proceedings, CCTV footage of the incident was shown, causing grieving members of McCarron’s family to leave the courtroom. Hamill’s defence lawyer, Murdo MacLeod KC, highlighted his client’s genuine remorse and efforts to save McCarron’s life following the collision. The McCarron family expressed their frustration at the delay in Hamill’s admission of guilt, emphasizing the impact of his actions on their lives. The family called for a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the situation and stresses the importance of law enforcement officers complying with the laws they enforce.

Sheriff Louise Gallacher postponed Hamill’s sentencing for further reports until December 18 while allowing him to remain on bail. In the interim, he has been disqualified from driving. Police Scotland was contacted for a statement but has yet to respond. The McCarron family, through their legal representatives at Digby Brown, released a statement welcoming the conviction while urging for a just and timely resolution to the matter.

In summary, the tragic incident involving PC Jamie Hamill and Margaret McCarron highlights the consequences of careless driving and the importance of accountability within law enforcement. The diligent efforts of first responders and legal authorities in addressing such incidents are crucial in ensuring justice for the victims and their families. May this case serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating vehicles, especially in emergency situations, and the need for swift actions and transparency in acknowledging faults and rectifying mistakes.