A man who was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and banned from driving for four years has now been employed as an ambulance driver for the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Drew Dodd had been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after he was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court in March 2008.
He had only passed his driving test some 2 months before the incident when he caused the death of Craig Garland after driving his car at speeds up to 100 mph down a single track road.
Dodd had denied the offence of causing death by dangerous driving but had been convicted after trial at the Crown Court.
It should be noted that his original two and half year sentence was just to use two years after he successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal.
Dodd, who is now 27 years of age and believed to be studying to become a paramedic, applied for the job with the Scottish Ambulance Service last year.
A key part of Dodd’s job is to drive the ambulance at high speeds with emergency lights and sirens engaged.
Speaking to Scotland on Sunday, Dodd said: “All I want to say is that I’ve been completely open and up-front with everyone. I started about a year and a half ago with the Scottish Ambulance Service and this is the best job in the world.
“I was a first responder for years and that’s led to my job with the Scottish Ambulance Service. I had to go through a lot of rigmarole to get the job and obviously it’s not the kind of job that just anyone can walk into. I’ve never been anything but honest, but I’m sure people will say ‘this guy shouldn’t be doing this job’. I do the job because I want to help people.
“It’s my reputation ruined here, regardless of what comes out. It’s quite obvious that I regret it – I do. It’s something I obviously won’t forget, but I’ve not hid anything.
“I’d hate to think this would remove people’s faith in the ambulance service, which is ultimately what it will do.”
It should be noted that Dodd quite rightly disclosed his conviction to the Scottish Ambulance Service.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “All relevant staff apply for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme. If there are any areas of concern on the information received, the service undertakes a full risk assessment. This process was followed for this member of staff.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
