Addict Andrew Harrison jailed for killing pregnant woman
Jul 30 2010 The Journal
A RECOVERING heroin addict was jailed for two years yesterday after he lost control of his vehicle and killed a woman who was six months pregnant.
The careless driving of Andrew Harrison, 41, led to the “appalling human tragedy” of Anne-Marie McCreadie, 29, losing her life as well as her unborn son, Ben.
Harrison drove for months with a faulty anti-lock braking system as he ignored warning lights on his dashboard.
He accelerated too heavily out of a bend on a wet road surface in the town centre of Penrith, Cumbria, and then turned his wheels in the direction of Mrs McCreadie as he struggled to control the vehicle.
She was struck by the car as she walked on a path with her husband, Andrew.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Harrison had transformed his life after battling to overcome a long-term drug addiction, but had lapsed. Heroin and cannabis were found in his system following the crash, though there was no evidence to suggest his drug abuse played a part in Mrs McCreadie’s death.
Harrison, of Pategill Park, Penrith, was convicted of causing death by careless driving following a three-day trial.
Sentencing, Judge Paul Batty QC said: “This case is an appalling human tragedy. By your careless driving, the life of a 29-year-old lady was lost.
“She was at the time six months pregnant with her unborn child, who died. All this occurred in the presence of her husband.
“It is perfectly clear that Mrs McCreadie was a much-loved woman and much respected in the local community.
