Gary McCourt sentenced – Police action day – Portobello Open Door – Spa in the City – Gorgie City Farm for breakfast
There has been an outcry among many cycling groups in Edinburgh about the sentence handed down to Gary McCourt who had been charged with causing death by careless driving. McCourt was convicted of causing the death of pensioner Mrs Audrey Fyfe, 75, when his car clipped the rear wheel of Mrs Fyfe’s bicycle in Portobello. She then ‘somersaulted’ off her bike and was injured when she landed heavily on the road. She died from her injuries two days afterwards.
McCourt was disqualified from driving for five years and was sentenced to 300 hours community service. After his conviction last month, it was revealed that McCourt had caused the death of another cyclist, 22 year0old student George Dalgity, in 1986.
Dr David Brennan one of the campaigners behind Pedal on Parliament which will stage a cycle through Edinburgh to Holyrood on 19 May 2013, wrote on their website:-“Whatever the legal questions behind the sentence itself, the fact that a driver can, through carelessness, kill two people in separate incidents and not permanently lose their driving licence tells us something about the priorities we have in Scotland today.”
The family of the first victim spoke to The Edinburgh Evening News suggesting that McCourt’s conviction should result in imprisonment.
There is an amount of discussion regarding the comments by the Sheriff about the fact that Mrs Fyfe was not wearing a cycling helmet on the Cycling Edinburgh Forum, and there are comments there which suggest that the Crown Office may review the decision.
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Police in Edinburgh carried out another day of action across the city on Friday as part of Police Scotland’s commitment to tackling violence.
Over 100 officers were out in patrol throughout the Capital to engage with the public, and deter criminal activity.
As a result, three men were arrested for alleged warrant offences, including two men who were wanted in connection with domestic assaults, one in the Craigmillar area the other in the Dalry area.
Two more men will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal after police recovered personal quantities of cannabis during searches.
One man and a woman were arrested in connection with an alleged violent disturbance that took place in the Clermiston area on 16 April.
Officers also utilised the mobile metal detector to identify anyone in possession of a weapon and a woman has been detained for carrying a lock-knife.
Furthermore, a number of vehicle stops were carried out and 11 people were issued with fixed penalty notices for a range of motoring offences. During these stops, a vehicle was seized for having no insurance and the driver will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
The public response to the activity was extremely positive and further Campaign Against Violence days will take place throughout the year.
Superintendent David Carradice said:- “Local officers were once again supported by colleagues from other departments to detect and deter a range of crimes in Edinburgh.
“We will continue to carry out days of action to tackle violent crime within the city and will actively target those believed to be responsible.
“Targeted action against violence is based on the information we receive from the public and anyone who has information relating to crime in their area can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Tonight in Portobello, Portobello Open Door (POD) in collaboration with the Wash House Community Centre are going to start screening Films in Porty. Their first film with be the highly acclaimed Les Miserables (12A) is tonight at 7pm. Tickets priced at £5 with a £3 concession for Under 18’s and Over 60’s, available from Favers Candy Emporium. BYOB, and Refreshments available on the night.
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Spa in the City is on today and tomorrow in St Andrew Square. Organised by Essential Edinburgh it is aimed at ladies who want to be pampered and indulged!
To get your FREE treatment you must register at the registration tent, which opens at 9:30am on both Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th May. The first 300 people to register each day will receive a Spa in the City Goody Bag.All those that attend Spa in the City will receive an offer booklet which will give great offers and discount in the city centre’s shops, bars and restaurants so your pampering needn’t finish when your treatment does!Registration
You are able to book one appointment per person at the registration tent, which is open both days between 9:30am and 4pm.
“We serve breakfast until 12 midday and hot meals, drinks and snacks all day. All our food is home-made and seasonal where possible. High-chairs are available and there is a small space for parking buggies. Hand-washing and toilet facilities are close by. For those with some time to relax, we have a comfy sofa, free wi-fi, newspapers and local information leaflets!”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
