A truck driver who killed a veterinary student in a head-on collision after driving the wrong way down a dual carriageway has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair, 26, was found dying by her fiance Scott Brading, who raced to the scene as he happened to be walking the couple's dog in the area.
More than two years after the crash in December 2016, Michael Friel was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow as he admitted causing death by dangerous driving.
Friel was driving on the A1 southbound in East Lothian when he realised he was heading in the wrong direction, and performed a U-turn.
Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair (pictured) was found dying in the road by her fiancee Scott Brading, who raced to the scene as he happened to be walking the couple's dog in the area
Other drivers had to swerve to get out of the way of his van, including Meghan, who was driving from her home in Dunbar to her job at a veterinary surgery in Loanhead.
The court heard that Friel initially tried to blame his victim for the crash, claiming she was speeding - but this turned out to be untrue.
Friel went on to tell a doctor that he felt 'very bad for the woman who died and thinks about her family every day', the court heard.
Sentencing, judge Lord Arthurson said: 'Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair would've been married by now and living with her husband.
'She would have now been well embarked on her cherished career journey.
'Yet none of this has come to pass with her whole adult life straight in front of her, only to encounter you driving the wrong way and inflicting the blunt force injuries that morning.
Michael Friel (shown outside court, left) was jailed at the High Court in Glasgow as he admitted causing the death of Meghan (pictured right, with fiance Scott)
'Many drivers had to take evasive action to avoid you and I sentence you on account of a stress reaction.
'It's of note that five drivers that took evasive action flashed their lights at you.'
Friel's defence, Murdo MacLeod, said: 'Mr Friel has an IQ of 70 and a history of abuse and tragedy from a difficult background.'
He added: 'He drove along the A1 towards Edinburgh and realised he was still going the wrong way.
'He said he was so terrified he turned the truck round and started driving the wrong way for about 200 to 300 yards.
'He heard and almighty bang and realised he had hit someone.'
A judge heard how Meghan's fiancee raced to her aid after he happened to be walking his dog close to the crash scene
Mr MacLeod added: 'He is a very religious man and told me he prays for her every night and is very sorry for what happened.
'For what it's worth these comments are very sincere.'
Friel was sentenced to 42 months in jail at the High Court in Glasgow.
In a statement, Meghan's family said: 'On the morning of the December 9, 2016 our world fell apart when our beautiful Meghan was taken from us.
'Meghan was talented, caring and loving in every way. She loved life and had it all in front of her.
'We lost an incredible daughter and sister, and her fiancé lost his soul mate and the family they planned to have.
'The suffering we have endured over the last two years since that day has been horrendous.
We never thought it was possible to be in so much pain and still be alive. Days that were happy are now sad and our lives will never be the same again.
'Every driver who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle on public roads bears a huge responsibility to drive safely, within the rules, and abide by the law.
'They must also be held accountable for their actions when they cause pain and suffering to others.
'Like so many other tragedies, Meghan lost her life in a crash that need not have happened.
'We have faith that whatever punishment the court decides to impose will reflect the severity of this crime.
'We'd like to thank everyone for their love and continuing support.'
Friel was driving on the A1 southbound in East Lothian when he realised he was heading in the wrong direction, and performed a U-turn
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News Photo Truck driver who killed veterinary student is jailed for three-and-a-half years
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