Hospital boss who reversed over 92-year-old gets driving ban

A hospital project manager who killed a 92-year-old woman as he reversed out of his driveway has been sentenced.

Francis Creedican knocked down Christina Young with his Mercedes on October 16, 2018.

The 58-year-old rushed out to help the stricken pensioner outside his home in Southhouse Avenue, Edinburgh.

But, Mrs Young – who had recently been told her breast cancer was treatable with tablets – died later that evening.

Creedican – who works at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary – previously admitted causing death by careless driving.

His lawyer told how Creedican had lost his own mother due to a road traffic accident when he was a child.

Lord Matthews ordered the first offender to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work.

Creedican was also banned from the road for the next three years and nine months.

The judge at the High Court in Glasgow described how Mrs Young was a “much-loved” mother and gran.

He told Creedican: “Her daughter in Edinburgh had to undergo the heartbreaking experience of being with her when she died.

“Her other daughter in Australia was back in Scotland for a visit only a matter of weeks before the death little knowing this was the last time she would see her mother alive.”

Lord Matthews added: “Reading their dignified statements, my impression is that they (the family) would not be concerned with revenge.

“But, both you and they are entitled to expect that the punishment will be in accordance with the law and will fit the crime.”

A previous hearing was told how Mrs Young was very fit for her age, but used a walking aid for support.

She was hit as she went to get her morning paper.

The pensioner – who was also driven over – was found lying face down suffering from a bleeding head wound.

Prosecutor Angela Gray said: “Investigators carried out a reconstruction and concluded that Mrs Young had walked almost all the way past Creedican’s car before being struck.”

They also found the vehicle’s rear window was misted over.

However, the Mercedes was fitted with a camera on the front dashboard which Creedican could have used or the wing mirrors to see if it was safe.

Barry Smith, defending, said Creedican had always accepted responsibility for the incident.

The advocate also told the court: “The loss of his own mother in a road traffic accident when he was 12 gave him a particular poignant insight into such a sudden death.”

It was further revealed Creedican’s job remains open despite the conviction.