A nurse of “unimpeachable character” dragged a pedestrian under her car in a horrific Brechin Christmas traffic accident.
Catherine Ryan, 55, had gone to the Esso fuel station on Clerk Street on the evening of December 23, when she turned and hit Moira Blyth, who was making her way home from work.
Coronary nurse Ryan, who had been seconded to Ninewells from her home town to help with the coronavirus pandemic, immediately assisted Ms Blyth who was trapped under her grey Hyundai car.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told Forfar Sheriff Court: “The incident occurred at around 5.20pm.
“The complainer was walking north on Clerk Street toward the Tesco Esso filling station.
“The accused was leaving the forecourt.
“The complainer collided with the car. She was trapped under the car.”
Four weeks in hospital
The fiscal continued: “Ryan immediately left her car and attended to Ms Blyth.
“When police arrived Ryan identified herself as the driver.
“She was fully cooperative.”
“She was in shock and allowed to leave the scene with her husband later on.
“Ms Blyth was conscious, her injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening.
“She sustained an open fracture on her left ankle.
“A laceration on her knee required plastic surgery.
“She stayed in Ninewells until January 19, where she was taken to the care of her sister’s house.”
‘A lady of unimpeachable character’
Ryan, of Mathers Park, Brechin admitted driving without due care and attention on Clerk Street, on December 23 2021 and hitting Moira Blyth with her car to her serious injury.
Defence solicitor Ross Donnelly, in mitigation for Ryan, said: “She would like to reiterate her apologies.
“She is a nurse who works in Ninewells’ coronary care unit.
“Before that she was in Brechin but because of the Covid pandemic she was transferred to Dundee.
“She left home earlier that day to get fuel.
“It was a dark night, raining and she failed to see the lady crossing the street.
“She is a lady of unimpeachable character.
“She understands points on her licence will be applied.”
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown endorsed four penalty points on Ryan’s licence – reduced from six because of her early plea – and fined her £300.
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