Van Driver Blames Dog for Fatal Pedestrian Crash

A van driver who mounted a kerb and killed a pedestrian has blamed his dog for distracting him and causing the crash. Joseph Gorman, 50, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at the High Court in Glasgow after the incident on April 1, 2023, on the A726 Glasgow Road in Strathaven, Lanarkshire.

The victim, Craig Wilson, 29, was struck along with his fiancée Hannah Duddy and her mother Yvonne Duddy. Mr. Wilson and Gorman's dog, a Jack Russell, died in the collision, while Mrs. Duddy sustained serious injuries.

Gorman accepted responsibility for the tragedy but argued his driving was careless rather than dangerous. He told the court that he had taken his dog in the van for a walk but had not used a restraint. Jurors heard that Gorman initially veered across the road due to the dog's movement. He testified that the dog had put her paws on his legs, distracting him for "a split second."

Advocate depute Lindsey Dalziel suggested the distraction lasted longer and that it was an "obvious risk" to have an unrestrained dog in the vehicle. Gorman acknowledged he should have secured the dog. Ms. Dalziel concluded that the distraction was not momentary and that Gorman continued driving before parking the van without the handbrake engaged, leading to the vehicle rolling back and hitting a telegraph pole.

At the scene, Gorman reportedly told a witness that the sun was in his eyes and that his dog had jumped on him. He expressed remorse in court, stating, "It is just horrible. I think about it every day, Mr. Wilson and his family as well as how he was going to get married to Ms. Duddy."

Gorman has been released on bail ahead of sentencing next month and is currently banned from driving.