Motorcyclist who left friend in wheelchair for life after crash jailed
Scott Callaghan, 31, propelled pillion passenger Paul Gaughan into the air in Glasgow's Anniesland on August 17, 2023.
Callaghan had driven at excessive speed and struck a kerb while he had a small trace of alcohol in his system.
Mr Gaughan was hospitalised for six months and was found to be paralysed below the chest.
He also suffered further "life changing" injuries which included a number of fractures to his body.
Dad-of-three Callaghan pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing serious injury to Mr Gaughan by dangerous driving.
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Sheriff John McCormick said: "You were a disqualified driver at the time which is an aggravating factor.
"Due to Mr Gaughan's injuries, you are realistic that there is no alternative to a subtantial custodial sentence.
"You were 30 at the time and not an immature teenager - you chose to drive in that manner."
The sheriff also disqualified Callaghan from driving for a period of eight years.
The court earlier heard that Callaghan, of the city's Knightswood, was driving the Yamaha off-road bike to a field at 10.19pm.
Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: "He drove at excessive speed and sharply braked and collided with a pavement.
"The bike became airborne and it collided into a metal fence which caused Mr Gaughan to be propelled into the air.
"He travelled seven metres before he landed on the ground."
Both men - who were not wearing protective helmets - were found severely injured at the scene.
Mr Gaughan was conscious and breathing but did not react to pain.
He was taken to hospital where he was found to have sustained a string of injuries described as "life changing."
This included a fracture to his vertebrae, a scalp bone fracture, a nasal bone fracture as well as scarring to his neck.
Miss Keel added: "He suffered complete paralysis below his chest which will be life long.
"He will be a full-time wheelchair user and will require assistance to his bed, a car and the toilet.
"His left hand is weak and will need assistance to carry out daily activities for the rest of his life."
The fiscal depute further stated that there is a risk of a spinal cord injury and there was an injury to his blader and bowel.
The hearing was told that Callaghan also sustained injuries which included a broken arm and fractured pelvis.
An alcohol test on Callaghan showed that he had a minor amount in his system but not enough to take him over the drink drive limit.
Calum Weir, defending, told the sentencing: "He knows a catastrophic error of judgement has had a devastating impact on two families."
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Scott Callaghan, 31, propelled pillion passenger Paul Gaughan into the air in Glasgow's Anniesland on August 17, 2023. Callaghan had driven at excessive speed and struck a kerb while he had a small trace of alcohol in his system. Mr Gaughan was hospitalised for six months and was found to be paralysed below the chest. He also suffered further "life changing" injuries which included a number of fractures to his body. Dad-of-three Callaghan pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing serious injury to Mr Gaughan by dangerous driving. READ NEXT: Highest civil court issues decision in Tommy Sheridan's case against council READ NEXT: Former Catholic priest admits repeated abuse of boy more than 40 years ago Sheriff John McCormick said: "You were a disqualified driver at the time which is an aggravating factor. "Due to Mr Gaughan's injuries, you are realistic that there is no alternative to a subtantial custodial sentence. "You were 30 at the time and not an immature teenager - you chose to drive in that manner." The sheriff also disqualified Callaghan from driving for a period of eight years. The court earlier heard that Callaghan, of the city's Knightswood, was driving the Yamaha off-road bike to a field at 10.19pm. Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: "He drove at excessive speed and sharply braked and collided with a pavement. "The bike became airborne and it collided into a metal fence which caused Mr Gaughan to be propelled into the air. "He travelled seven metres before he landed on the ground." Both men - who were not wearing protective helmets - were found severely injured at the scene. Mr Gaughan was conscious and breathing but did not react to pain. He was taken to hospital where he was found to have sustained a string of injuries described as "life changing." This included a fracture to his vertebrae, a scalp bone fracture, a nasal bone fracture as well as scarring to his neck. Miss Keel added: "He suffered complete paralysis below his chest which will be life long. "He will be a full-time wheelchair user and will require assistance to his bed, a car and the toilet. "His left hand is weak and will need assistance to carry out daily activities for the rest of his life." The fiscal depute further stated that there is a risk of a spinal cord injury and there was an injury to his blader and bowel. The hearing was told that Callaghan also sustained injuries which included a broken arm and fractured pelvis. An alcohol test on Callaghan showed that he had a minor amount in his system but not enough to take him over the drink drive limit. Calum Weir, defending, told the sentencing: "He knows a catastrophic error of judgement has had a devastating impact on two families."
