Police officer who killed mother-of-three while speeding in patrol van dodges jail

Hamill appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court where he had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving - and has now been ordered to complete 225 hours of unpaid work.

As part of his sentence, handed down by Sheriff Louise Gallacher, Hamill was also disqualified from driving for 21 months.

McCarron was described as a dedicated carer who devoted her life to her family

POLICE SCOTLAND

PC Jamie Hamill has avoided a prison sentence (file photo)

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She died shortly after arriving at hospital, with a post-mortem examination recording severe chest and neck injuries as the cause of death.

Prosecutors reported that Hamill was "visibly upset" following the incident and tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.

McCarron, 58, was a mother to three children and grandmother to six grandchildren.

She was described as a dedicated carer who devoted her life to her family and caring for others.

Sheriff Gallacher said: "It is evident from the victim impact statements that the death of Mrs McCarron has left a huge void. She was a carer who dedicated her life to her family and caring for others."

Hamill was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court

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Her children have since launched legal action against Police Scotland following her death.

Hamill's defence counsel, Murdo MacLeod KC, told the court his client had shown "genuine remorse" over the incident.

But the McCarron family said the officer "could have admitted his guilt far earlier".

The court heard that Hamill's unpaid work requirement had been reduced from 300 hours to 225 hours owing to his guilty plea.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston confirmed the case would now face further scrutiny.

"The matter will now be considered by the Professional Standards Department for misconduct proceedings," he said.