A motorist caused the death of a Lockerbie biker in a crash just nine days after passing his driving test.
Joseph McGregor, 32, of Fernlea Crescent, Annan, drove into the path of 52-year-old motorcyclist Steven Armstrong (pictured).
Mr Armstrong suffered multiple injuries when he was thrown from his bike and slammed into the windscreen of McGregor’s Vauxhall Corsa.
Mr Armstrong was pronounced dead at the scene despite frantic efforts to save him by witnesses and emergency crews.
The crash happened on September 4 last year on the B6357 near Annan at a junction leading to the A75.
McGregor this week admitted causing death by driving without due care and attention when he appeared at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
At the time of the accident he claimed that the bike had “come out of nowhere”.
He tested negative for any traces of alcohol or drugs and passed an eye test. Speeding was also ruled out as a factor.
The court heard how McGregor was turning right at a junction and drove directly into the path of Mr Armstrong at 12.05pm.
Witnesses told the court they were aware of the motorbike and considered the accused had seen it because he had stopped.
But McGregor then drove into the path of the bike and the two collided.
Witnesses gave first aid to Mr Armstrong at the scene of the crash including CPR and also contacted the emergency services. However, Mr Armstrong quickly became unconscious and unresponsive.
Paramedics and an ambulance crew raced to the scene and took over the treatment, but were unable to save Mr Armstrong.
The court heard that he had planned to watch a quad bike race that day, but changed his mind as the weather had deteriorated and called his wife to meet her in Dumfries.
Mr Armstrong is survived by his mum, wife, three younger sisters and three children, two daughters and a son, the court was told.
Sheriff Diane Turner deferred sentence on McGregor for background reports until August 3.
She also disqualified him from driving in the meantime until the offence is dealt with.
