Speeding driver inhaled laughing gas balloon before killing 'loving gran' crossing road

A speeding driver who inhaled laughing gas killed a “loving grand and mum” as she made her way across a road with the aid of her walking frame.

Washe Manyatelo was driving a Mercedes C220 at excessive speed when he struck Annette Dixon, 70, after she got off a bus in Edinburgh.

Manyatelo later refused to provide a blood sample for testing following the tragedy, claiming that it was against his religion, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

The convicted drug trafficker admitted causing the death of his victim by driving dangerously on August 26, 2023, when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Manyatelo drove the car, which was in a dangerous condition, on Stevenson Drive, having inhaled nitrous oxide at excessive speed and failed to maintain proper observations.

Other drivers took evasive action, and he narrowly avoided hitting a stationary vehicle. He also carried out overtaking manoeuvres when it was not safe to do so.

He went into the opposing carriageway, mounted a pavement and grass verge and back onto the road, where he struck Mrs Dixon.

The court heard how Manyatelo failed to take any action to avoid striking the grandmother, who would have been clearly visible.

The impact caused her to be projected around 4.5 metres further up the westbound lane.

Manyatelo did not slow down or stop after the collision but drove on before returning to the crash scene.

Members of the public, including an off-duty nurse, went to the aid of the stricken pedestrian. She was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died from her injuries.

Manyatelo was cautioned by police and told them: “I think I was driving at 30. I think I hit her side on.”

Officers found four deflated balloons in his car along with a nitrous oxide canister.

‘Loving gran, mother and friend’

Mrs Dixon was described as a “loving gran, mother and friend” in a statement released by her family following Manyatelo’s conviction.

“We still struggle with loss of Annette every day – we have been deprived of a loving gran, mother and friend simply because one selfish, cowardly and reckless man decided he was going to do what he wanted,” it read.

“Seeing the driver in court was difficult but it was important for us to see him in person rather than simply on a video screen – too many victims are deprived this important part of the grieving and closure process so that is one silver lining we take from today, and at least the guilty plea spares us the pain of an unnecessary trial.

“We would like to thank those who have supported us since the loss of Annette – we only request that the media respect our privacy as we look ahead to the sentencing with the hope that the punishment will fit the crime.”

Search and arrest

Manyatelo, who is currently serving a jail sentence for being concerned in the supply of cannabis, was found to have cocaine worth up to £1,400 on the streets, secreted on him internally after the crash.

It was discovered that the Mercedes he was driving would have failed an MOT because of the state of the tyres on the vehicle which would have affected steering and handling.

Manyatelo gave negative tests for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. But officers who were dealing with him noticed that he appeared drowsy and sometimes looked at them with a glazed expression.

Mr Keenan said: “He was arrested and taken to Livingston police station. He slept for the duration of the journey and appeared confused when waking up.”

During a search of Manyatelo, formerly of Edinburgh, officers found a further balloon similar to those seen in his car and discovered he had 18 grams of cocaine hidden internally in a plastic bag.

He agreed to be examined by a doctor who expressed the opinion that he was impaired and that his condition may be due to drug consumption.

He was then told of a requirement for a blood sample and claimed he might faint, and he did not like needles. Mr Keenan added: “He then declined to provide a sample on the basis that it was against his religion, but without explaining why that was so.”

Defence solicitor advocate Iain McSporran KC, for Manyatelo, said: “His position is he had been up all night. He had been enjoying himself. He had been inhaling nitrous oxide. He was in the company of others.

“He ought not to have been driving, he fully accepts that. He was driving dangerously because he was driving when far too tired,” he said.

Lady Ross adjourned sentence on Manyatello for the preparation of a background report, and he was remanded in custody.

Manyatelo also admitted two further charges of failing without reasonable excuse to provide a specimen of blood at Livingston police station on August 26 in 2023, and possessing cocaine with intent to supply.