Glasgow Uber driver jailed for killing 'loving dad' doing fatal three-point turn

A Glasgow Uber driver has been jailed for more than seven years after he killed a passenger while doing a three-point turn and then fled the scene.

Kunathilinghan Mohanthas, 48, previously pled guilty to killing Christopher Hanton in Glasgow city centre on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Mr Hanton, 40, had ordered a taxi through the Uber app for pick up at George Street and his driver, Mohanthas, arrived just after 10.30pm.

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The taxi driver ordered his passenger out shortly after. Mr Hanton got out but slapped the back of the vehicle as the car made a three-point turn in the road.

The driver made a "sudden turn" to the left when he turned the vehicle to drive away, and struck Mr Hanton who fell and hit his head on the ground.

CCTV footage of the incident showed how Mr Hanton was hit. Mohanthas didn't stop but drove off from the scene and left the dad-of-one for dead.

The much-loved father from Chryston, North Lanarkshire, tragically died from a head injury four days later on August 9.

Victim impact statements read out in the case at the High Court in Kilmarnock from family members of Mr Hanton shared the dreadful consequences his death had on them.

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Defence lawyer Mr Jackson KC told the court that Mohanthas has accepted "full responsibility" for the incident and had shown remorse.

Lord Clark when passing sentence on Monday (May 13), told Mohanthas: "You did not intend to kill him but this was not an accident.

"I have also read over the Victim Impact Statements from family members of Mr Hanton. They explain, in deeply moving terms, the dreadful consequences your conduct has had for them.

"There is no sentence I can pass that can even begin to alleviate their suffering from this terrible event."

Mr Hanton's family previously paid tribute to him shortly after his passing saying they were "truly devastated". He was described as a "devoted and dedicated husband to Lynne and loving father to Zak with many friends and family".

Mohanthas, who had been in custody since August 7, was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment. He has also been disqualified from driving for 13 years and 9 months and will be required to sit an extended test before being able to drive again.

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