An estate worker who killed two passengers in his car after driving dangerously on a country road was jailed today after leaving the victims at the scene.
He drove while unfit through the consumption of alcohol, at excessive speed and failed to maintain observations. He lost control of the car and it left the roadway and the vehicle struck a boulder before becoming airborne. Lawrence, of Low Bowhill Farm, Newmilns, in Ayrshire, was also convicted of failing to report the accident.
He told jurors: "You returned a verdict which is entirely justified by the evidence you have heard." He said it was not an easy trial for the jurors as it was "a deeply tragic event" which had a huge impact on a small community. The court heard evidence that Lawrence arrived at the party with a pack of Stella Artois lager and drank shots of whisky, vodka and gin.
"Why? Is one obvious explanation that he was trying to avoid detection by the authorities until such time as he sobered up." Mr Jessop said: "He went home and lay low until the police found him." He said he and Mr Graham, who lived at the gamekeeper's cottage with his wife and three boys, were running the event and Lawrence, who worked on the estate at the time, came to the after shoot party at a village hall. The following morning he returned to the hall to make sure everything was in order and it was secured.
He returned home and emergency services were contacted and then returned to the beach with his partner Lisa McShane who realised Miss Herron was also dead.