Driver who killed Perthshire teacher in tragic bike collision is jailed for two years

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The devastated family of a popular Perthshire teacher killed after he was struck riding his bike say he “did everything he could to keep himself safe” - as a pensioner motorist was jailed.

Motorist Thomas Smith (76) struck dad Adam Pattinson (36) head on after driving into the opposing carriageway as he tried to pass a van and lorry when it was unsafe to do so.

A judge told Smith at the High Court in Edinburgh that the death of Mr Pattinson – dad to a young son, a popular teacher at Craigclowan School in Perthshire and captain of Perthshire Rugby Club – has been “wholly life-changing” for the victim’s family.

Lord Arthurson said he had taken time to read impact statements prepared by close family members and added that they were “universally eloquent and harrowing”.“Mr Pattinson’s life was a full life, but a life nevertheless cruelly cut short with many happy and fulfilling years with his family and in his career lying ahead of him,” said Lord Arthurson.“No sentence that this court could impose could ever begin to reduce the sheer scale of grief felt by that family as they contemplate the loss of Mr Pattinson.”He told Smith: “Mr Pattinson was a skilled and proficient cyclist who had been wearing full cycling clothing and equipment, including a helmet and a high visibility jacket.“He was appropriately positioned.