Harry Lavery spared jail for dangerous driving in Lerwick

Harry Lavery, 27, has been spared a prison sentence by the Edinburgh High Court after admitting to dangerous driving that left a man seriously injured in Lerwick.

The incident occurred on August 27, 2023, on South Road. Lavery drove his Ford Puma toward Daniel Finnie at speed, striking him with enough force to throw him over the vehicle's bonnet, windscreen, and roof. The victim sustained multiple bone fractures and head wounds, leaving him unconscious.

During the proceedings, it was noted that Lavery, who has autism, sincerely believed the victim had been verbally abusive to him. While he did not intend to strike the man, the court heard that Lavery was aware the victim was intoxicated and walking erratically in the road. Rather than slowing down, Lavery performed a three-point turn and drove back toward the man.

Judge John Morris KC cited Lavery’s lack of a criminal record, his stable family background, and his positive work ethic as reasons for avoiding incarceration, noting he posed a low risk of reoffending. Lavery was issued a community payback order with a three-year supervision requirement and received a 10-year driving ban.