Driver killed man after falling asleep behind the wheel and mounting pavement

A driver killed a man after falling asleep at the wheel and mounting the kerb.

Scott Nugent, 42, had just finished a 13-hour shift and was driving on Hawkhead Road in Paisley when he struck two men from behind on September 18, 2024.

Stephen Craig, 50, and Craig McDermott, 40, were walking on the pavement as Nugent failed to negotiate a bend after falling asleep while driving his Peugeot 208.

The High Court in Glasgow heard Mr Craig was knocked into the forecourt of a nearby petrol station, with Mr McDermott initially ending up on the bonnet of the vehicle.

The car eventually stopped after hitting a bus stop.

Describing the aftermath, prosecutor David Dickson KC said Nugent “indicated that he had worked a night shift and must have fallen asleep”.

The advocate depute added that there were no defects found with the Peugeot or the road.

There had also been no evidence that Nugent had been using a phone at the time.

Both victims were rushed to the hospital. Married dad Mr Craig, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, passed away four days later.

Mr McDermott was seriously hurt, including a bleed on the brain as well as fractures to his spine, face and ankle.

He still remains badly affected by his ordeal.

Nugent, of East Kilbride, pled guilty to a charge of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

John Scullion KC, defending, said: “He has asked me to apologise to the family of Mr Craig and Mr McDermott as well as those impacted by these tragic events.

“The remorse is genuine and profound.”

Nugent had been on bail, but he was remanded in custody by Lord Arthurson.

The judge told him: “You have pled guilty to grave offences – through your driving, you took the life of one man and inflicted catastrophic injuries on another.”

Sentencing was adjourned for reports until next month.

Mr Craig’s family paid tribute to him after his passing.They said: “Stephen was a devoted husband and father. His loss has been devastating for all who knew him.”