A PENSIONER “spectacularly” failed a sight test after mowing down another OAP who later died.

Allan Gunning, 71, struck James Figgans as he walked to his local pub to watch football in January 2016.

He later told police he “did not see” the 75 year-old crossing the road in Renfrew.

Gunning had been behind the wheel of his Peugeot 406 at the time.

But, a judge heard how the pensioner had long-standing sight issues and should have been wearing glasses to drive.

He had previously seen an optician about “blurring” in his right eye.

But, the High Court in Glasgow was told Gunning was not wearing glasses when police spoke to him after the accident.

PC Iain Murray recalled how he asked the pensioner at the scene to read a car’s registration 20 metres away, but Gunning’s reply was completely different to what the plate was.

Prosecutor Bernard Ablett asked the officer: “At the time, he was sitting in the vehicle, did you notice if he had eye wear on?”

PC Murray said: “There was nothing that whole time we were dealing with him.”

Mr Ablett replied: “Did he mention: ‘I will need glasses?’.”

The officer said: “Nothing mentioned.”

The court heard spectacles were found as if “discarded” in the back of the “messy” Peugeot.

Mr Figgans never recovered and died days later in hospital.

Gunning was charged with causing his death by dangerous driving, but it was concluded he was unfit to stand trial as he now suffered from dementia.

An examination of facts hearing into the circumstances of the incident instead took place.

Judge Tom Hughes last week ruled the Crown had proved the charge against Gunning “beyond reasonable doubt” following the evidence.

Lawyers for Gunning – who was not present in court – had earlier argued there was no case to answer.

In his decision, the judge noted: “He was asked to read a number plate and he failed quite spectacularly to correctly identify.”

The case was continued until September.

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