A judge is considering a non-custodial sentence for a Fife van driver who killed a cyclist in an early morning smash.
William Crawford died from his injuries following the collision on the A913 Cupar to Newburgh road in September 2019.
Earlier this month, David McGregor was found guilty of causing the 54-year-old’s death by careless driving.
He appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday for sentencing.
But Lady Wade adjourned the case further to fully assess alternatives to prison.
More reports needed
Defence advocate John Scullion KC told the judge that a social workers’ report had been prepared on McGregor’s behalf.
“It is positive in its terms,” he said.
“Given the nature of this case, the court will want to consider all available sentencing options and alternatives to custody.”
Mr Scullion said that McGregor, 48, was a suitable candidate for unpaid work.
“However, he suffers from certain health and mobility issues and that would limit the type of work he could do,” he said.
Lady Wade pointed out that unpaid work “wasn’t restricted to physical labour”.
She said: “There’s all sorts of jobs that could be carried out as part of the order.”
Mr Scullion asked the court to also consider a Restriction of Liberty Order, which would see his client placed on a curfew.
“However, that would require an assessment of Mr McGregor’s home to ascertain if this was a suitable disposal.”
The judge agreed to adjourn the case until next month for a report to be drawn up.
“The families of the deceased will want to get some closure of this matter,” she said.
She told McGregor: “While the Criminal Justice Social Work report details some of your background, it does not address all of the sentencing options available to me.”
McGregor, of Gallows Knowes, Crossgates, remains on bail and was told to return to the high court for sentencing on November 27.
Victim died days after crash
The collision happened north of Cupar just after 6.45am on September 26 2019.
Police were initially unable to identify Mr Crawford, who was cycling without ID, and issued a public appeal for information.
Jurors at the High Court in Dundee unanimously found McGregor guilty of causing the cyclist’s death by driving his Volkswagen Crafter van without due care and attention, failing to maintain proper observations and colliding with Mr Crawford on his white mountain bike.
Mr Crawford died in Ninewells Hospital three days later.
It was the third fatal accident involving a cyclist on north-east Fife roads in as many months.
McGregor received an interim ban following the jury’s verdict. The court heard he was remorseful and apologetic to his victim’s family.
