Kyle Patrick, 23, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for causing the death of 19-year-old Erin Slane, who sent a friend a message saying "I may not survive tonight" while a passenger in his car. The crash occurred on September 1, 2024, in Perthshire, after Patrick drove at "grossly excessive speeds" while under the influence of alcohol.
Details of the Incident
Patrick pleaded guilty at a previous court hearing to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to another passenger. The court heard that on the evening of August 31, 2024, Patrick drank in several pubs in Perth before offering lifts from a taxi rank around 11:30pm. In the early hours of September 1, he agreed to drive two young women, with Erin Slane in the front passenger seat and her friend in the back. Both were wearing seat belts.
During the journey towards Gowrie Farm in Perthshire, Patrick reached a speed of 119mph in a 60mph area before losing control of the vehicle. The car crossed onto the opposite carriageway, went down an embankment, hit a fence, and rolled over several times in a field. Erin Slane died at the scene, and another passenger was seriously injured.
Court Sentencing
Lord Harrower sentenced Patrick at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, stating that the incident was "no mere lapse of judgment" and that Patrick demonstrated a "prolonged and deliberate course of driving at grossly excessive speeds while impaired through alcohol." The judge noted that Erin was about to start university and had her whole life ahead of her, and that Patrick's actions brought "terrible devastation" to her family. He also banned Patrick from driving for 10 years.
The court heard that Patrick's blood alcohol level was "exceptionally high" at the time of the crash. As part of the charge, he admitted driving while his ability was impaired due to alcohol consumption. He also admitted driving up to a taxi rank in Perth that day and offering to take people to their home addresses.
Remorse and Aftermath
Tony Lenehan KC, representing Patrick, said the defendant feels the "true weight of his remorse" and understands he must pay a heavy price for his actions. He noted that Patrick stayed at the scene, called for help, and told the truth, adding that his remorse is genuine, though it may offer little comfort to the affected families.
