Drove into a 10-year-old

A MAN living in Lerwick who drove into a young boy after failing to stop at a red light has been fined and given penalty points after appearing at the town’s sheriff court on Wednesday.

Colin Keith, of Viewforth, Burgh Road, admitted a charge of careless driving that took place at the town’s North Lochside on 18 January.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the ten year old victim left the Clickimin Leisure Complex and crossed the road at its traffic lights after it turned red.

However, 38 year old Keith failed to stop and his car hit the boy on his lower leg, with the incident taking place in front of the child’s awaiting father on the other side.

The man took the boy, who suffered only minor bruising, to nearby Gilbert Bain Hospital.

Keith was left in a “state of shock” after the incident, Mackenzie said.

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Defence agent Tommy Allan said Keith was suffering from depression at the time due to bereavement and was having trouble sleeping, which contributed to why he didn’t see the lights or boy.

It was a “shocking experience” for everyone involved, Allan added, saying it was “simply a lapse of concentration” on his client’s part.

Sheriff Philip Mann decided to fine Keith £300 and give him six penalty points.

“Fitness to drive isn’t only a matter of alcohol and drugs,” he concluded.