Hit-and-run driver jailed after killing man while 'full of drink and drugs'

A driver who killed a grandfather in a hit-and-run while "full of it on drink and drugs" has been jailed for almost seven years.

Gary Gallacher, 37, was also using his mobile phone moments before he struck James Craig in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on 27 October 2024.

The 70-year-old never recovered following the collision.

Gallacher, who had previous road traffic convictions, was sentenced to six years and nine months in jail at the High Court in Glasgow. He had previously pled guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Gallacher was also jailed in 2017 for his role in the kidnap of a gym boss outside his home.

His sentence will start once a four-year prison term that he is currently serving for an unrelated offence ends.

The court earlier heard how Gallacher had picked up associates in a hired Mercedes A Class car, and over the night downed bottles of Desperado beer and Buckfast tonic wine.

Maintenance engineer Craig meantime had been at his local pub and was walking home after midnight. As he crossed the road, the Mercedes driven by Gallacher struck him.

A witness who had spotted the vehicle said he had expected the driver to slow down, but he did not brake or make any attempt to swerve and avoid Mr Craig.

Prosecutor Naomei Warner added the impact was "quite substantial" and said Gallacher did not stop the car after the collision.

The court was told that a front-seat passenger had been playing with the car's controls, trying to connect his phone to the radio, before the crash.

Gallacher was using his mobile phone while driving and was trying to show the passenger something related to boxing on the device.

At the time, he was said to be "full of it on drink and drugs".

The passenger shouted on Gallacher to move, having seen Craig in front of the car.

The court was told that he continued to drive after the collision and was heard stating he could not stop as he was already "on the run".

All the passengers were said to be upset. Gallacher initially refused to stop to let them out, but they were eventually dropped off.

Emergency crews arrived at the scene to help Craig, but he did not recover. He had injuries to his head and body.

After his death, the victim's 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 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 make up for the loss suffered by Mr Craig's family and friends as a result of his premature death at your hands.

"You have an appalling record including two [convictions] 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."

Gallacher was also banned from the road for 12 years and five months.