Driver tried to hide phone use after killing Fife cyclist

A driver who killed a Fife cyclist and then tried to cover the fact she had been using her mobile phone has been put behind bars.

Mother-of-two Julie Watson tried to cover her tracks by deleting a record of the call after colliding with experienced Glenrothes cyclist Alistair Speed on the A91 between Strathmiglo and Gateside, in September 2013.

Watson, 36, of Kinross, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and attempting to defeat the ends of justice after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Watson was on bail throughout her trial but after the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts the judge remanded her in custody until sentencing next month.

Mr Speed, who was 49, died from severe head injuries. He was described as a “gentleman” and his death shocked the local cycling community, of which he was an experienced and much loved member.

Advocate depute Jim Keegan QC said the results of the crash had been “catastrophic”.

For our full report, see Thursday’s Courier.