Fake lawyer TikTok influencer jailed for killing pensioner in Lanarkshire crash
TikTok fake lawyer jailed for fatal crash killing pensioner

A man who built an online persona as a legal expert has been sent to prison after his dangerous driving led to the death of a 77-year-old woman.

Social Media Facade and Fatal Reality

Leigh Sutherland, who presented himself as a knowledgeable traffic lawyer to followers on platforms like TikTok, was behind the wheel of a defective vehicle when the collision occurred. The incident took place on the Condorrat Ring Road in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Sutherland was driving an old Ford Mondeo at high speed, a decision made even more perilous by the car's faulty braking system.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The court heard how Sutherland's actions resulted in the tragic death of Margaret Allan, a pensioner aged 77. Reports indicate that following the fatal incident, Sutherland showed a callous disregard, referring to his victim with offensive language. This morning, 9 January 2026, his case reached its conclusion at sentencing.

Justice Served

The judge handed down a custodial sentence to Sutherland, holding him accountable for the catastrophic consequences of his driving. The case highlights a stark contrast between an individual's curated online image and their real-world conduct, which in this instance had devastating, irreversible results. The sentencing brings a measure of justice for the family and friends of Margaret Allan, whose life was cut short in the preventable collision.