On a June afternoon in Cumbernauld, a life was irrevocably altered. Thirty-one-year-old Leigh Sutherland was behind the wheel of a car with known defects when it struck Margaret Allan, a pedestrian going about her day.
The immediate aftermath was marked by a callous act: Sutherland abandoned the scene, leaving Ms. Allan injured and alone. Police quickly intervened, preventing him from disappearing completely, but his actions didn’t end there.
While awaiting trial, Sutherland began posting videos online, seemingly trivializing the gravity of the situation. These weren’t just any videos; they featured him role-playing as a police officer and even a criminal defense lawyer, creating a disturbing and unsettling spectacle.
He presented himself as a legal expert, claiming years of experience in criminal law and boasting about securing acquittals. The online persona he crafted stood in stark contrast to the reality of the devastating crash he caused.
The trial at the High Court in Glasgow revealed a pattern of deception. Following Ms. Allan’s death a month after the incident, Sutherland fabricated a story, claiming he’d sold the car to an unidentified Romanian man who was test driving it at the time of the collision.
The judge condemned this fabrication as a “cock and bull story,” highlighting Sutherland’s complete lack of responsibility. He had walked away from the scene, offering no assistance to the injured, and later displayed a shocking disregard for the consequences of his actions.
Evidence presented showed the car’s braking system was faulty, a condition Sutherland was likely aware of. Despite this knowledge, he continued to drive, ultimately leading to the catastrophic event. Just a week prior, he had already been banned from driving.
The court also learned Sutherland had been threatened online, forcing him to relocate. However, this did not deter his inappropriate behavior, including the continued posting of videos related to the case while on remand.
During sentencing, the judge emphasized the unacceptable nature of Sutherland’s conduct, stating he should have been focused on helping those he harmed, not exacerbating their suffering. His actions demonstrated a profound lack of empathy and remorse.
Ultimately, Leigh Sutherland was sentenced to nine years in prison and disqualified from driving for thirteen years and six months. The verdict, while offering a measure of justice, cannot undo the tragic loss suffered by Margaret Allan’s family.
Police expressed their continued support for the family, acknowledging their strength throughout the ordeal. They condemned Sutherland’s blatant disregard for the law and his complete lack of remorse following the devastating incident.
