Two guilty over pedestrian death

The drivers of two separate cars have been convicted of dangerous driving in connection with the death of a 67-year-old pedestrian in Fife.

Senga Elder was killed when the cars driven by Grant Whyte and Alan Duffus collided on a road outside Auchtermuchty in January.

Mr Whyte, 22 was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mr Duffus was convicted of the lesser charge of driving dangerously. Both men are due to be sentenced next month.

The High Court in Dundee heard witnesses to the incident said they had heard the loud sound of engines and then saw two cars driving closely together and at speed.

Seconds later they heard the sound of a crash.

Duffus and Whyte were accused of being involved in a car race at dangerous and excessive speeds along winding country roads.

Ms Elder had been walking home from her part-time job when the second car, driven by Mr Whyte, hit her.

The first car was being driven by Mr Duffus , from Kinnesswood , a former Isle of Man TT racer, who runs a motorcycle shop in Kirkcaldy.

After the verdict, Ch Insp John Macdonald of Fife Constabulary, said: "This was not a road accident, it was a horrendous incident arising from a level of driving which was irresponsible, dangerous, and, as these convictions confirm, criminal.

"It was nothing short of remarkable that there were no other serious injuries arising from the incident.

He added: "I earnestly hope that the results of this trial will serve as a reminder to all motorists that dangerous driving kills and ruins lives.

"The tragedy of each and every incident like this is that they are completely avoidable."