Drugged up Paisley man warned jail is inevitable after horror crash

A Paisley man, David Nicolson, has been warned to anticipate a prison sentence after causing a horrific crash on the M8 near Harthill. The incident, which occurred on October 17, 2022, left a man with severe injuries. Nicolson, 36, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to Ryan Docherty by dangerously driving with a substantial amount of ketamine in his system.

Roofer Ryan Docherty was on his way back from work in Edinburgh with two colleagues when the crash took place around 3.45 pm. As Docherty pulled over to the hard shoulder for a restroom break, Nicolson’s van drifted and collided with the stationary vehicle, hitting Docherty in the process. The impact of the crash caused catastrophic injuries to Docherty, including a brain injury, skull, facial, rib, and spinal fractures. He underwent extensive surgery and rehabilitation in the months that followed the incident.

Prosecutor Lewis Devoy shared in court that the collision propelled Docherty into the air, landing him 15 meters away on the carriageway. Meanwhile, Nicolson’s van pushed Docherty’s work vehicle up the grass verge with his two colleagues still inside. Despite the severity of the injuries inflicted on Docherty, Nicolson himself escaped unharmed.

Nicolson’s lawyer highlighted that he has been undergoing treatment for drug misuse issues, which have worsened his physical and mental health since the crash. Sheriff Michael Higgins deferred sentencing for background reports and imposed an interim driving ban on Nicolson but retained his bail. The sheriff emphasised the catastrophic impact on Docherty, indicating that a custodial sentence is likely.

Looking ahead, Nicolson is scheduled to return to court for sentencing next month, where the court will consider the full extent of the damages caused by the crash and assess the appropriate consequences for his actions.

In summary, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving under the influence of drugs. It underscores the importance of road safety and responsible behaviour behind the wheel to prevent such life-altering incidents from reoccurring in the future.