A driver described as “full of it on drink and drugs” who killed a grandfather in a hit-and-run has been jailed for almost seven years. Gary Gallacher, 37, struck James Craig in Hamilton, Lanarkshire on October 27 2024, moments after using his mobile phone. The 70-year-old never recovered from his injuries.
Sentencing at the High Court
Gallacher was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Lord Renucci imposed a term of six years and nine months, which will begin after Gallacher completes a four-year sentence for an unrelated offence. He was also banned from driving for 12 years and five months.
The court heard that Gallacher had previous road traffic convictions and had been jailed in 2017 for his role in the kidnap of a gym boss outside his home.
The Fatal Collision
Prosecutor Naomei Warner said Gallacher had picked up associates in a hired Mercedes A Class and had consumed bottles of Desperado beer and Buckfast tonic wine during the night. Mr Craig, a maintenance engineer, had been at his local pub and was walking home after midnight when he began to cross the road.
Miss Warner said: "He began to cross the road and, as he did so, the Mercedes driven by Gallacher struck him projecting him onto the ground. Gallacher did not stop his vehicle." A witness had expected the driver to slow down but said he did not brake or attempt to swerve to avoid Mr Craig. The impact was described as "quite substantial".
Aftermath and Arrest
Before the collision, a passenger was playing with the car's controls, trying to connect his phone to the radio. Gallacher was using his mobile phone and trying to show the passenger something related to boxing. The passenger shouted at Gallacher to move after seeing Mr Craig in front of the car. After the collision, Gallacher continued driving and was heard saying: "F*** this, I can't stop. I'm on the run."
The passengers were said to be "upset". Gallacher initially refused to stop to let them out but eventually dropped them off during the night. The car was returned to the hire company with damage to the bumper, mirror and door. Diagnostics data revealed the vehicle had been driven with a significantly or completely deflated tyre for a significant portion of the hire period.
Emergency crews attended but Mr Craig did not recover. His family described him as a "beloved dad and papa". Gallacher was arrested in early February 2025 for a separate matter. He admitted he had not tried to get help for Mr Craig but denied being under the influence of drink or drugs, claiming he had taken prescribed medication.
Lord Renucci told Gallacher: "You have pled guilty to an extremely serious charge. No sentence can in any way can make up for the loss suffered by Mr Craig's family and friends as a result of his premature death at his hands. You have an appalling record including two for dangerous driving. Mr Craig was a vulnerable pedestrian and you did not stop afterwards even when you were asked to do so by passengers."
