Speeding cop admits causing death of Motherwell mum in fatal crash

A police officer has admitted to causing the death of a mother of three in Motherwell after hitting her with his speeding van as she crossed the road. PC Jamie Hamill was driving at over 50 miles per hour in a built-up area just before the fatal crash that took the life of Margaret McCarron. Despite Hamill’s attempts to save her with CPR, Margaret, aged 58, was declared dead in the hospital shortly after the incident. Hamill, who had been a police officer for only 18 months at the time, confessed to causing Margaret’s death by driving carelessly and surpassing the speed limit on September 19, 2021.

The court heard that Hamill had activated his blue lights to pursue a driver suspected of having no insurance in Motherwell town center around 8:20 pm. After losing sight of the vehicle, he turned off the blue light and decided to drive to the suspect’s home with a colleague. CCTV footage showed Hamill driving at 52 miles per hour in a 30-mile per hour zone. As he slowed down on Merry Street, his speed was recorded at 39.95 miles per hour just before the collision.

Margaret had been crossing the road after waiting for cars to pass when she was hit by Hamill’s van. Despite efforts to help her, she sustained severe neck and chest injuries that proved fatal. An investigation by the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner found that Hamill’s speed significantly increased the risk of a fatality compared to if he had been driving within the speed limit. The family of Margaret announced they are taking legal action against the police over her death, expressing their ongoing grief and loss.

Hamill, showing deep remorse according to his defence, was disqualified from driving immediately and bail was continued as sentencing was deferred for background reports. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of careless driving.