A LORRY driver who fell asleep at the wheel caused his vehicle to strike and kill a motorist who was standing in a layby.

Ian Thorburn, 53, drove off without stopping after his truck collided with Robert MacLellan, 65, on the A92 dual carriage near Cowdenbeath, Fife, in May this year.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how stunned motorists who had witnessed the incident chased after Thorburn when he continued on his way. Thorburn failed to brake or give the eye witnesses any impression he was going to pull over for them.

Thorburn, of Kirknewton, West Lothian, yesterday pled guilty before judge Lady Wise to charges of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at an accident scene on May 19. He also admitted a charge of failing to report the incident within a reasonable timeframe.

The court heard Thorburn had no previous convictions. Lady Wise remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports. He will be sentenced at the High Court on November 20.