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Edinburgh Live
11 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh van driver killed top academic after mounting kerb while looking at phone
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh van driver under the influence of cannabis killed a leading academic out walking in the street. Darren Gilmour, 42, had also been occupied with his mobile phone when he hit Dr William Noel after mounting the kerb in Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh on April 10 2024. Dr Noel tragically never recovered and died a fortnight later in hospital. The 58-year-old had been visiting the capital to purchase rare books for Princeton University in Pennsylvania in the USA, where he was the Associate Librarian for Special Collections. Gilmour pleaded guilty to the causing the death of the Cambridge University graduate by dangerous driving on Friday. He will be sentenced next month. Dr Noel - originally from Yorkshire - had been with two colleagues during the visit to Scotland. The trio had been walking on the pavement back to their hotel when tragedy struck around 6pm that evening. Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC told the High Court in Glasgow: "As Gilmour drove his Citroen Relay van, he was under the influence of cannabis and was interacting with his telephone, which was not connected to a hands-free system. (Image: University of Cambridge) "He failed to pay attention to the road ahead causing the vehicle to leave the road in the direction of WIlliam Noel and his companions." The advocate depute added the van went up onto the pavement, initially clipped one of the academic's friends before hitting Dr Noel from behind. He was lifted onto the bonnet, struck the windscreen before landing on the ground. An off-duty doctor out walking her dog as well as a passing nurse immediately ran to help. Dr Noel was then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The victim's wife back in Pennsylvania was contacted and she flew over to Scotland to be with her husband. Dr Noel's brother also arrived from London. But, on April 29, he sadly passed away due to suffering severe head trauma as a result of the collision. The court heard cabinet maker Gilmour had been found to have 2.4mg of THC from cannabis use per one litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mg. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages Gilmour's KC Tony Graham said on Friday: "If he could do anything to take back what happened on that date, he would, but, of course, he cannot. "He appreciates words uttered may seem cheap, but he does offer an apology to those bereaved." Gilmour, of Dalkeith, Midlothian, had been on bail, but Mr Graham did not move for that to be continued. Lord Cubie remanded him in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports. The judge: "Nothing the court can say can possibly compensate the loss caused. "This offence appears to have arisen as a direct consequence of your lack of concentration, more concerned with your mobile phone than the road and potentially affected by drug consumption." Dr Noel specialised in the study of Medieval and Renaissance European books. He was described in court as a "highly regarded academic" and "very well known" having hosted TED talks and many public speaking events. Dr Noel had also previously been honoured by the Obama administration for his commitment to open science. end
The Herald Scotland
12 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Van driver admits causing crash which killed academic William Noel
Dr Noel tragically never recovered and died a fortnight later in hospital. The 58 year-old had been visiting the capital to purchase rare books for Princeton University in Pennsylvania in the USA, where he was the Associate Librarian for Special Collections. Gilmour today pleaded guilty to the causing the death of the Cambridge University graduate by dangerous driving. He will be sentenced next month. Dr Noel - originally from Yorkshire - had been with two colleagues during the visit to Scotland. The trio had been walking on the pavement back to their hotel when tragedy struck around 6pm that evening. William Noel (Image: NQ) Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC told the High Court in Glasgow: "As Gilmour drove his Citroen Relay van, he was under the influence of cannabis and was interacting with his telephone, which was not connected to a hands-free system. "He failed to pay attention to the road ahead causing the vehicle to leave the road in the direction of WIlliam Noel and his companions." The advocate depute added the van went up onto the pavement, initially clipped one of the academic's friends before hitting Dr Noel from behind. He was lifted onto the bonnet, struck the windscreen before landing on the ground. An off-duty doctor out walking her dog as well as a passing nurse immediately ran to help. Dr Noel was then rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The victim's wife back in Pennsylvania was contacted and she flew over to Scotland to be with her husband. Dr Noel's brother also arrived from London. But, on April 29, he sadly passed away due to suffering severe head trauma as a result of the collision. The court heard cabinet maker Gilmour had been found to have 2.4mg of THC from cannabis use per one litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mg. Gilmour's KC Tony Graham today/yesterday said: "If he could do anything to take back what happened on that date, he would, but, of course, he cannot. "He appreciates words uttered may seem cheap, but he does offer an apology to those bereaved." READ MORE: Gilmour, of Dalkeith, Midlothian, had been on bail, but Mr Graham did not move for that to be continued. Lord Cubie remanded him in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports. The judge: "Nothing the court can say can possibly compensate the loss caused. "This offence appears to have arisen as a direct consequence of your lack of concentration, more concerned with your mobile phone than the road and potentially affected by drug consumption." Dr Noel specialised in the study of Medieval and Renaissance European books. He was described in court as a "highly regarded academic" and "very well known" having hosted TED talks and many public speaking events. Dr Noel had also previously been honoured by the Obama administration for his commitment to open science.
BBC News
24-04-2025
- BBC News
Rotherham animal charity 'heartbroken' after van destroyed
Staff at an animal charity said they were "devastated" to discover the van they used to transport animals had been stolen and then and James Fryer set up Adaoptapaws in Rotherham in 2023 with the aim of rescuing and rehoming dogs and other charity's specialist van, which had cost £30,000, was stolen from a garage in Sheffield on Tuesday night and was found vandalised near Beeley Wood the next said she was "absolutely heartbroken" and added: "It feels like the world has ended – why do this to us as a charity?" The pair previously ran a pet shop but set up the charity after their business closed dogs they rescue are cared for at kennels in Bramley and Debbie said the work had "taken over their lives"."We're all volunteers," she said."We work 24/7 because we love animals, we want to help families keep their pets alive and well."James said the van had been used to rescue animals including "peacocks, tortoises, even donkeys".But when the vehicle was found on Wednesday morning, the engine had been ripped out and other components had been scattered across the nearby said the incident had happened at a busy time for the charity: "We currently have 40 rescued dogs at our kennels." The pair said the van was in the process of being repaired at a garage in Hillsborough when it was Yorkshire Police confirmed they had received reports that a grey Citroen Relay van had been stolen from Limestone Cottage Lane in Sheffield on Wednesday.A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers investigated the incident as far as reasonably possible."As no witnesses or CCTV have been identified, the incident has been filed pending further investigative opportunities becoming available." The charity set up a fundraiser to raise money towards the cost of replacing the said the charity is currently "grounded" and replacing the vehicle would not be easy, as new cages and fittings would be needed to convert a new said he was also seeking advice from his insurance the van was taken it had been loaded up with equipment in preparation for the charity to attend the All About Dogs Show in Newark."We had hoped to raised much needed funds," Debbie said."Now we don't even know at the moment whether we will be able to attend." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Burglars smash through glass door and take jewellery
Herts Police have appealed for information after burglars smashed through the glass door to a Watford home. Between 7.28pm and 7.34pm on Tuesday, March 4, the offenders broke into the Meadowbank property, in Oxhey, through the rear. Gold jewellery was stolen. In a message via the Herts Connected platform, police have asked that any information is shared by calling 101, quoting crime reference 41/20683/25. Another property was broken between 6.45pm and 7.45pm on the same day in High Street, Bushey. Herts Police described it as either a burglary or an attempted burglary and asked that information be shared quoting the reference force also called for information after a white Citroen Relay van was stolen from a St Georges Drive, Carpenders Park, home at 12.26am on Wednesday, March 5. During the night, the owner was disturbed by a noise coming from outside and went to look, at which point they saw a male in dark-coloured clothing inside the vehicle - which had been parked in their drive. The van, which had tools inside, was then driven off towards Little Oxhey Lane. Two other males in dark clothing, who are believed to have been working together with the driver, then ran off after it. It's owner still had the keys during the theft. The van has since been located and recovered. Anyone who has information or footage of anything suspicious nearby is asked to email call police on 101, or email oxhey@ quoting the reference 41/20705/25.
