A Fife woman grabbed the steering wheel of her ex’s car as he drove along the A92 at 65mph moments after telling him: “I cannae wait to crash this car.”
Samantha Richmond was being driven home along the dual carriageway between Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath by Kieron Duffy, who had just ended their relationship.
Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard that, while in the front passenger seat, she pulled the steering wheel, which caused the car to swerve violently, endangering them and other road users.
The 29-year-old previously admitted the charge of culpable and reckless conduct and was given a three-month deferred sentence by a sheriff to be of good behaviour.
Richmond returned to the dock this week for sentencing and the court heard the pair are no longer together.
Grabbed wheel
Procurator fiscal depute Zahra Bhatti told the court, prior to the incident in October last year, Mr Duffy had decided to end his relationship with Richmond.
The depute fiscal said: “She had stayed overnight at his house and later the next day he was going to drop her off and both of them were in the car.
“The accused said to her ex: ‘I cannae wait to crash this car’.
“He was travelling along the A92 when he saw the speed at between 60 and 65mph and the accused grabbed the steering wheel… and the vehicle did swerve towards the left verge.
“The complainer managed to get control and corrected steering and narrowly avoided the verge.”
Police were called and Richmond, of Cluny Park in Cardenden, was cautioned and charged.
Good behaviour
Defence lawyer Calum Harris said Richmond had shown good behaviour over the past three months.
He said his client accepts what she did in the car was “not only dangerous but highly unnecessary”.
The solicitor also highlighted her relationship had ended and her mental condition had deteriorated during the pandemic.
Fined
Sheriff David Hall told Richmond: “This was a very dangerous thing you did and it’s fortunate that serious injury was not caused to yourself and Mr Duffy and other road users.
“I’ve taken on board the medical reports and that you’ve stayed out of trouble the past three months.
“It’s a serious thing and dangerous thing you did so in the circumstances I will impose a fine of £200.”
Richmond admitted pulling the steering wheel of the vehicle, causing it to swerve violently and endanger him and other road users, on October 3 last year on the A92 between Dunfermline and Cowdenbeath.
