Teen's Final Messages Before Fatal Drink-Driving Crash
A frightened 19-year-old, Erin Slane, sent messages to friends expressing fear for her life moments before dying in a crash caused by a speeding, intoxicated driver.
In September 2024, Erin sent the message after being picked up by 23-year-old Kyle Patrick, who had been offering lifts from a taxi rank in Perth despite being over three times the legal alcohol limit for driving.
Patrick drove a Ford Fiesta ST-3 turbo at speeds reaching 119mph before losing control on a remote road in Perthshire, according to court testimony.
Patrick, from Scone, Perthshire, admitted to causing Erin's death by dangerous driving during a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday.
Prosecutor Graeme Jessop KC informed Judge Lord Harrower that Erin had sent messages during the journey.
"At 0157 hours, she sent a message saying: 'I may not survive tonight. I'm scared. Kyle is steaming',"
"At 0205 hours, she wrote again: 'Kyle is steaming',"
The fatal crash occurred approximately five minutes later as Patrick was driving towards Stanley on the B9099, near the junction with Gowrie Farm.
Patrick Offering Lifts Despite Intoxication
The court heard Patrick had spent the evening drinking with friends in Perth city centre before proceeding to Mill Street taxi rank, where he offered rides to people waiting in line.
He accepted £10 from a 17-year-old boy for a lift to Bankfoot, then drove to South Street, parking outside a pub named That Bar. There, he picked up Erin and her friend Keira Jones around 01:45.
Patrick was driving at excessive speed along the B9099 Luncarty to Stanley road when he lost control.
"The accused lost control of the vehicle whereby it crossed the opposing carriageway, left the roadway, continued through wire fencing, down the grass embankment to a field, before rolling several times and coming to rest on its roof,"
Patrick survived the crash, and Keira Jones escaped with injuries.
Approximately 40 minutes after the incident, Patrick contacted police, admitting he had crashed, was the driver, and had consumed alcohol, acknowledging he should not have been driving.
"He stated that he had pulled a passenger out of the car - the witness Keira Jones - and was so sorry for driving,"
Emergency services found Erin Slane deceased in the passenger seat upon arrival.
The crash occurred two days before Erin’s 20th birthday; she was due to begin studies at Napier University later that month.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Kyle Patrick pleaded guilty to causing Erin Slane’s death and serious injury to Keira Jones by dangerous driving while impaired by alcohol.
Defence advocate Tony Lenehan KC stated:
"Mr Patrick knows the terrible harm he has done, causing the death of Ms Slane.
No words of Mr Patrick can do anything to undo this harm.
He pleads guilty knowing that he deserves a substantial prison sentence.
He tells me if he could serve ten times the sentence and be able to undo everything that happened, he would."
Lord Harrower remanded Patrick in custody and requested a background report.
"This is a terrible tragedy for Ms Slane and her family, and for Miss Jones and her family."
Patrick’s sentencing is scheduled at the High Court in Dundee on 9 June.
