Driver jailed after schoolgirl killed in hit-and-run

A speeding driver who mowed down a schoolgirl then left her dying on the road has been jailed for five years and three months.

Shaun Gatti killed 15-year-old Robyn Fryar in Paisley, Renfrewshire, having earlier been drinking at a nightclub in the town.

The 21-year-old fled in his Volkswagen Golf before trying to hide his involvement by hiding the damaged motor under tarpaulin.

However, Gatti was soon snared after an anonymous tip-off to police.

On Wednesday he was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow having earlier admitted causing the death of Robyn by dangerous driving on July 7, 2019.

Prosecutors stated Gatti had been going at excessive speed after consuming alcohol.

Nightclub: Shaun Gatti had been drinking before the incident.

Lord Mulholland told him he had “delivered the most acute grief” and a “life sentence” to Robyn’s family, who were in court for the hearing.

The judge added: “You fled the scene and this was a most cowardly act.

“You should have faced up to what you had done and tried to help her.”

Lord Mulholland paid tribute to the “enduring bravery” and “human spirit” of Robyn’s relatives.

Gatti was banned from the road for a total of 11 years and seven months.

Robyn – an only child – was struck as she crossed a road with friends around 2am.

She had been celebrating having recently completed her school exams.

Gatti had earlier been out at Paisley’s Vienna nightclub and was clocked on CCTV drinking a cocktail out of a fish bowl.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC said: “He drank from this glass more than once, but the Crown cannot say how much.”

By the time he was traced by police, it was too late to take a sample.

Police estimated he was driving at up to 47mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the incident.

Gatti was also on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Prentice went on: “Robyn was struck by the car and carried on for a distance.

“She was then thrown forward when the brakes were applied and the car came to a stop.

“Gatti and his passenger, Andrew Graham, got out of the car, saw Robyn on the ground, got back in the vehicle and drove off at speed.

“Robyn’s friends, who saw the collision, were hysterical as a result of what they had just witnessed.”

The schoolgirl died hours later from her injuries.

Gatti, of Paisley, also admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice by hiding his car, removing its registration plates and cleaning the motor.

After the hearing last month, Robyn’s father Ian Fryar described his daughter as “outgoing, bubbly and intelligent”.

Speaking following the sentencing, Procurator Fiscal for Homicide and Major Crime, David Green, said: “Shaun Gatti’s dangerous driving has irrevocably damaged many lives and our thoughts go to the family and friends of Robyn Fryar.

“Gatti’s actions were completely unacceptable and have resulted in the most severe consequences.

“I hope this conviction and sentence deters others from making the same catastrophic mistakes.”