Man left pal paralysed in wheelchair for life after horror bike crash in Glasgow

Daily Record

20-05-2025

Scott Callaghan propelled pillion passenger Paul Gaughan into the air in Glasgow's Anniesland.
A man has left his friend in a wheelchair for life following a horrific motorcycle crash. 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.
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He also suffered further "life changing" injuries which included a number of fractures to his body. Callaghan pleaded guilty today/yesterday at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing serious injury to Mr Gaughan by dangerous driving.
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The court 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.
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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.
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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 week 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 bladder and bowel.
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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 court: "These were particularly tragic circumstances. He will require to live with the consequences of his reckless actions on this occasion.
"They were on good terms and fortunately there is no animosity towards Mr Callaghan." Sentence was deferred upon the dad-of-one until next month pending background reports by Sheriff John McCormick.
The sheriff said: "The consequences to your passenger have been devastating and life changing. I will continue your bail but be under no illusion of the likely sentence to be imposed standing the gravity of this matter - make appropriate arrangements."