The family of a pensioner killed by a TikTok fantasist in a horror crash have said that “no outcome can ever bring our Mum back”. Margaret Allan, 77, died after her car was struck by Leigh Sutherland, 31, who was speeding in a Ford Mondeo with defective brakes on the Condorrat Ring Road near Cumbernauld on June 15, 2023. A 10-year-old boy who was a passenger in Mrs Allan’s car was also injured.
Sutherland was jailed for nine years at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. He was also banned from driving for 13 years and six months. The court heard that Sutherland attempted to walk away from the scene following the crash and made derogatory comments about his victim, telling police: “It would not have happened if the f***ing b***h had not pulled out.”
Following the sentencing, Mrs Allan’s family released a statement through Police Scotland, describing the outcome as bringing “a measure of justice”. They said: “While today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice, we recognise that no outcome can ever bring our Mum back. We hope, however, that this conclusion allows us to move forward with some sense of closure.” The family also extended thanks to Police Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal’s office, and the witnesses who came forward.
Judge Thomas Hughes told Sutherland his behaviour was “totally and utterly unacceptable”, adding that he had shown no remorse and had “come up with a cock and bull story” to avoid responsibility. Sutherland, who was well-known on TikTok for posting videos pretending to be a road traffic lawyer, even shared videos about the crash while on remand. Police previously revealed Sutherland had been banned from driving just a week before the fatal crash and was on bail at the time.
Inspector Michael McCusker said: “Our thoughts remain with Margaret's family during this difficult time. We hope this outcome brings them some level of closure on a very traumatic incident. Officers undertook a significant and thorough investigation, which resulted in Sutherland's conviction. His actions displayed an utter disregard for other road users, choosing to drive a vehicle whilst disqualified, and he will now face the consequences.”
