Speeding police driver who killed woman must do unpaid work

Prosecutors said Hamill, who had 18 months service with the force, had been “visibly upset” after the incident.

The court also heard he recorded negative test results for alcohol and drugs.

Murdo MacLeod KC, defending, said: “Mr Hamill has expressed profound regret and remorse over the death of Mrs McCarron.

“He knows no sentence imposed by the court could replace the loss of her.

“He feels he has let down his family and his employer and deeply regrets the consequences of his actions.”

Sheriff Gallacher told Hamill: “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.

“It is evident that the incident has had a significant impact on you and you have been assessed at low risk of reoffending.”

The officer was told his crime was “at the middle range of offending” before being handed a community pay back order.

The sheriff added: “I take into account you have taken responsibility for your action and pled guilty at an early stage.”

Afterwards the McCarron family issued a statement through law firm Digby Brown.

It said: “We welcome the conviction however we remain frustrated it has taken this long to secure.

“That police officer could have admitted his guilt far earlier and saved our family from the added trauma of these unnecessary and unjust delays.”

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “This was a tragic incident and we would extend our sympathies to the family of Margaret McCarron at this time.”