A speeding drink-driver has been jailed for eight years after causing the death of a teenager who messaged friends saying 'I may not survive' while a passenger in his car.
Crash details and sentencing
Kyle Patrick, 23, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 19-year-old Erin Slane by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to another passenger. The crash occurred on September 1, 2024, in Perthshire, when Patrick drove at 'grossly excessive speeds' before losing control and crashing into a field.
Lord Harrower sentenced Patrick to eight years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday. The court heard that the car reached speeds of up to 119mph on country roads before the fatal crash.
Teenager's final messages
During the journey, Erin Slane sent messages to friends stating: 'I may not survive tonight. I'm scared. Kyle is steaming.' The messages highlighted her fear as Patrick drove while intoxicated. The court previously heard that Patrick had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Impact on families
In a victim impact statement, Erin's mother described her daughter as a 'bright, loving, and caring young woman' whose life was cut short. The family expressed their devastation over the loss and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The other passenger, who was seriously injured, has since undergone multiple surgeries and continues to recover.
Legal consequences
Patrick was also disqualified from driving for 10 years and will be required to take an extended retest before driving again. The judge emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting that Patrick's actions were 'selfish and reckless' and had resulted in the tragic loss of a young life.
