Laughing gas driver who killed frail woman is jailed

A driver who inhaled laughing gas and killed a woman while speeding in a Mercedes has been jailed for five years.

Washe Manyatelo, 24, struck Annette Dixon, 70, in August 2023 while she was crossing the road with her walking frame in Edinburgh.

Mayatelo had been at a party the night before, had not slept and told friends he "felt fine to drive". He admitted causing her death by dangerous driving.

Sentencing him at the High Court in Edinburgh, judge Lady Ross said: "That arrogant self-assessment of your condition was woefully wrong."

She added: "This was a lady in her later years who was much loved by her family.

"They were close to her and that she is missed terribly."

Lady Ross also pointed out the car was borrowed and had dangerous defects that meant it would have failed an MOT test.

The court heard Manyatelo was driving at excessive speed in a 20mph zone on Stevenson Drive near Saughton Park after inhaling nitrous oxide.

He had driven onto the opposing carriageway, mounted a pavement and grass verge, then went back onto the road when he struck Mrs Dixon, who had just exited a bus.

Manyatelo fell asleep in a police car following the incident and refused to provide a blood sample for testing, claiming that it was against his religion.

Prosecutor John Keenan KC said: "He did not swerve, brake or take any other action to avoid striking Mrs Dixon. The speed on impact was between 26 and 35 mph.

"The impact caused her to be projected around 4.5 metres further up the westbound lane."

Manyatelo did not slow down or stop after the collision, but drove on before returning to the crash scene.

Members of the public, including an off duty nurse, went to Mrs Dixon's aid.

She was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died from her injuries.

Manyatelo gave negative tests for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. But officers who were dealing with him noticed that he appeared drowsy and sometimes looked at them with a glazed expression.

He agreed to be examined by a doctor who expressed the opinion that he was impaired and that his condition may be due to drug consumption.

Officers found four deflated balloons in his car along with a nitrous oxide canister.

Defence advocate Iain McSporran KC told judge Lady Ross that his client was sorry for his actions.

He said Mayatelo was an "extremely immature" man who had came to appreciate the seriousness off his actions.

Lady Ross also banned Manyatelo from driving for eight years and 10 months.

Police Scotland's Sgt Grant Hastie said: "I hope this sentencing brings closure and some comfort for the family and friends of the woman who died.

"Manyatelo showed complete disregard for the law and his reckless actions highlight the devastating consequences of dangerous driving."