Truck driver killed man, 84, as he crossed road in Blantyre
A truck driver who had taken cocaine killed an 84-year-old pedestrian as he crossed the road, a court has heard. Edward Feelie, 54, failed to stop at a red light while driving his flatbed Isuzu and went on to hit Robert Shirra-Gibb in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.Mr Shirra-Gibb never recovered from the collision which occurred just days before Christmas in 2023.Feelie pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving at the High Court in Glasgow.
The 54-year-old was found to have six times the "specified limit" of cocaine in his bloodstream.The court also heard Feelie, of Blantyre, already had two road traffic convictions.He was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.The incident occurred on the town's Glasgow Road at about 18:00 on 19 December 2023.Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel said Mr Shirra-Gibb made it across the eastbound carriageway but was struck by Feelie's truck when he entered the westbound carriageway.She added: "He appeared to fail to slow or react to a red light as well as the presence of Mr Shirra-Gibb upon crossing."The court heard the victim suffered "catastrophic" pelvic, chest and back injuries.He also had a bleed on the brain and died the next day.
'Shocked and agitated'
Dashcam video footage of the incident was played in the courtroom.Ms Dalziel said Feelie - who had been working as a traffic management operative - immediately got out of his vehicle and appeared "shocked and agitated".However, he initially seemed unaware of a stricken Mr Shirra-Gibb being helped by others.Crash investigators found the red traffic signal that night had been showing for 11 seconds before the collision.Mr Shirra-Gibb had been on the road for around seven seconds.Miss Dalziel said Feelie's lorry "did not deviate until the moment of impact".A blood sample was taken from Feelie at a police station after the incident and it was found to contain 67mg of cocaine per litre of blood. The specified limit is 10mg.Marco Guarino, defending, said Feelie recognised the impact on Mr Shirra-Gibb's family and had been "very severely affected" by the incident.The judge, Lord Arthurson, remanded him in custody and adjourned sentencing until next month in Edinburgh.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Man charged with murder of 32-year-old mother-of-three
Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 7.37am on June 5, following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said that Charlie Jeans, of Margate Road, Southsea, had been charged with murder and remanded into custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court later. He added that a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had been released on conditional bail until September 9. Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant – who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on conditional bail until September 5. In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy's family said: 'Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met. 'She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews. 'Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear. 'Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam's home was always filled with warmth and cheer. 'She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone. 'Sam loved her music and dancing, truly embodying the life and soul of every party. 'Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause. 'That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood. 'Her loss has left an immense void. 'For her mother, it's not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion. 'Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence. 'We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave. 'Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.'
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Man charged with murder of 32-year-old mother-of-three
Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 7.37am on June 5, following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said that Charlie Jeans, of Margate Road, Southsea, had been charged with murder and remanded into custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court later. He added that a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had been released on conditional bail until September 9. Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant – who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on conditional bail until September 5. In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy's family said: 'Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met. 'She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews. 'Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear. 'Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam's home was always filled with warmth and cheer. 'She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone. 'Sam loved her music and dancing, truly embodying the life and soul of every party. 'Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause. 'That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood. 'Her loss has left an immense void. 'For her mother, it's not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion. 'Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence. 'We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave. 'Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.'
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Man charged with murder of 32-year-old mother-of-three
Police were called to Wadham Road, Portsmouth, at 7.37am on June 5, following the discovery of the body of 32-year-old Samantha Murphy. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said that Charlie Jeans, of Margate Road, Southsea, had been charged with murder and remanded into custody to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court later. He added that a 41-year-old man from Portsmouth arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had been released on conditional bail until September 9. Two other men, a 32-year-old from Petersfield and a 32-year-old from Havant – who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on conditional bail until September 5. In a tribute released through Hampshire Constabulary, Ms Murphy's family said: 'Sammie-Jo, our bright, smiling soul, radiated joy to everyone she met. 'She was a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, the bubbly baby sister who brought laughter and light to her siblings, and the fun-loving auntie who adored her nieces and nephews. 'Sam was the friend everyone went to for advice and a compassionate ear. 'Our gracious host at Halloween and Christmas, Sam's home was always filled with warmth and cheer. 'She was strong-willed and determined, yet her kindness shone through, always quick to see the good in everyone. 'Sam loved her music and dancing, truly embodying the life and soul of every party. 'Her singing voice, especially when she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black, never failed to draw admiration and applause. 'That mischievous and cheeky spirit she had as the youngest sister never faded; it was part of her charm, alongside her quirky little laugh, which continued to delight us into adulthood. 'Her loss has left an immense void. 'For her mother, it's not just the loss of a daughter, but of a best friend and constant companion. 'Her brother and sisters, whose bond with Sam was so rare and special, are utterly devastated by this unimaginable absence. 'We take comfort in knowing Sam would want her family and friends to pull together, ensuring her children are always protected and surrounded with the love she so generously gave. 'Love from your mum Denise, your three beautiful children, older sisters Louise, Jodie and Kelly, big brother Carl and brother-in-law Ollie, your wonderful friends Marissa, Emma and Charlene, and from your dad Phillip.'
