A Perth pensioner who killed a popular teacher on his daily bike ride while carrying out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre was warned he faces a lengthy jail sentence.
Car driver Thomas Smith hit Perth teacher Adam Pattinson head-on after driving on to the opposing carriageway as he tried to pass a van and truck when it was unsafe to do so.
Mr Pattinson, 36, suffered “catastrophic” internal bleeding as he was fatally injured in the collision on the A912 Aberargie to Bridge of Earn Road on February 28, 2020.
First offender Smith, 76, of Kestrel Way, Perth, admitted causing his death by driving dangerously, when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Tributes to ‘Big Friendly Teacher’ Pattinson
Mr Pattinson was a primary school teacher at Craigclowan prep school on the outskirts of Perth, and was married with a seven-month-old son, Fraser.
Advocate depute William Frain-Bell told the court: “He was a very enthusiastic teacher at this school, where he had been a pupil.
“His local community was very important to him as was demonstrated by his commitment to the school and Perthshire rugby club.
“There is a significant sense of loss experienced at the school by pupils and staff alike.”
The prosecutor said: “He was a very popular teacher.
“There were many tributes to Mr Pattinson, which included tributes from pupils who described him as the ‘BFT’ or ‘Big Friendly Teacher’.
“The consistent theme was the impression he left on pupils which went beyond mere education and extended to important lessons on life.
“His enthusiasm was far-reaching.”
“He was captain of Perthshire rugby club and had played 350 games.
“A minute’s silence took place at a game days after his death.”
Mr Frain-Bell added: “He was delighted to become a father and took an active part in his son’s life.”
Tragic overtaking decision
On the morning of his death Mr Pattinson told his wife Claire he was going for his daily bike ride and would see her later.
She was expecting him home before he went to work.
The prosecutor said he set off wearing full cycling kit, including a helmet and high visibility jacket and with lights on his bike.
Smith was driving his Citroen C4 Cactus car behind a lorry and a Transit van.
Smith’s was the third vehicle in a line of five travelling towards Bridge of Earn when he made the decision to overtake both vehicles in front of him, despite Mr Pattinson coming in the opposite direction.
Mr Frain-Bell said the lorry driver at the head of the queue of traffic had a dashcam on board which clearly showed Mr Pattinson’s light visible for around 30 seconds prior to the impact.
Witnesses described an “explosion” as the bike was struck by Smith’s car when he tried to overtake a lorry and van shortly before 6.30am.
Mr Frain-Bell said: “The accused attempted to overtake both the transit and the articulated lorry.
“While carrying out the manoeuvre he collided with Adam Pattinson head-on.
“Adam Pattinson was thrown into the air and came to rest on a grass verge.
“The accused’s vehicle continued north-west, coming into contact with the lorry before leaving the road and colliding with a hedge, coming to rest on the grass verge.”
Desperate attempts to help
The drivers of the two cars behind Smith rushed to Mr Pattinson’s aid and began CPR.
However, despite a trauma team being rushed from Ninewells hospital to the scene, the 36-year-old could not be saved and died at the roadside.
Smith escaped serious injury.
A post mortem examination revealed that among the injuries suffered by Pattinson included a broken leg and pelvis, as well as extensive internal injuries, including to his heart.
Mr Frain-Bell said Mr Pattinson would have lost consciousness immediately and died in “under a minute”.
Mrs Pattinson had become concerned her husband had not returned home and she called his phone but got no answer.
Police later arrived at her home to inform her her husband had been in a fatal road traffic collision and had died.
A police collision report concluded Smith would have been aware of Mr Pattinson’s bike lights but did not “react in any way to its presence”.
Apologies from accused
Describing the case as “tragic”, advocate David Nicolson said it was clear Mr Pattinson was “an extremely impressive young man who touched the life of many”.
He extended his client Smith’s apologies to the members of Mr Pattinson’s family present in court.
Judge Lord Arthurson warned Smith he faces a significant prison term in light of the “grave” offence.
He also extended his personal condolences to Mr Pattinson’s family.
Sentence was deferred for reports and Smith was granted bail.
Perth teacher Pattinson was ‘gentle’
Mrs Pattinson paid tribute to her husband at his funeral, for which part of Perth’s Tay Street had to be sealed off.
Describing him as “an utterly shining example of a human being”, she added: “I never met anyone who epitomised gentleness and kindness more.
“You had such a strong sense of self, and boundless energy and an unwavering moral compass which encouraged us to reflect and consider all sides of any story.”
There have since been calls for the route between Bridge of Earn and Aberargie to be made safer.
