Teen’s harrowing text message before she was killed by speeding drink-driver

8 Jul 2026 • 7:42 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Teen’s harrowing text message before she was killed by speeding drink-driver

  • Kyle Patrick, 23, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for causing the death of 19-year-old Erin Slane and seriously injuring another passenger in a drink-driving incident in Perthshire.
  • The fatal crash occurred on September 1, 2024, when Patrick, driving at "grossly excessive speeds" and impaired by alcohol, lost control of his vehicle, which then left the road and rolled multiple times.
  • Erin Slane, who was a passenger, tragically died at the scene after sending messages to friends expressing fear, stating, "I may not survive tonight. I’m scared. Kyle is steaming."
  • Patrick pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury, with the court hearing he reached speeds of 119mph in a 60mph zone and had an "exceptionally high" blood alcohol level.
  • Lord Harrower, who also banned Patrick from driving for 10 years, described the incident as "no mere lapse of judgment" but a "prolonged and deliberate course of driving at grossly excessive speeds while impaired through alcohol."

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