The mother of the two-year-old girl who was tragically killed by a dangerous driver who was texting moments before the fatal crash said she hoped her daughter's 'beautiful face' would serve as a reminder to all other drivers.

Sara Edwards fought back tears as she read a prepared statement outside the High Court in Glasgow today moments after Luke Pirie was handed a six-year sentence for causing the death of her daughter, Harlow, after he lost control of his car.

The 24-year-old lost control of his car on October 13 2016 while attempting to overtake a line of vehicles at excessive speed on the A94 between Scone and Flatfield in Coupar Angus.

Sara Edwards speaks outside the High Court in Glasgow

Pirie, who had been texting while driving, mounted the kerb at a speed of over 50mph and hit three children who had been walking together hand in hand. Harlow was killed with the six-year-old boy and 17-year-old girl also injured in the crash.

Flanked by family members, Harlow's mother Sara made an emotional plea to other drivers and hoped that her daughter's 'beautiful face' would stick in the minds of people who were tempted to speed or text while driving.

"Although we are glad a substantial sentence has been given we would like to say this in no way matches the life sentence that we are now living as we forever grieve the life denied to our precious Harlow.

Harlow Edwards

"Finding out that we lost our little girl under such petty and avoidable circumstances has only added to our devastation."

Sara continued: "We can only hope now that our baby girl's beautiful face will serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel of a car and also the dangers of speeding and distractions to the drivers, passengers and also the person on the other end of the phone who continues to communicate with someone they know is driving."

Court heard today how Pirie had been using his phone to text, make calls and Facetime and was 'worked up' over suspicions that his partner may have been cheating on him.

His defence QC said that he suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and depression, stating: "He can't do anything to make things better or make things right. All he could do was plead guilty."

Commenting, David Green, Head of the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit said: “This is a tragic case involving the needless death of a two year-old girl and the serious injury of two other children.

“Luke Pirie’s dangerous driving and excessive speed has irrevocably damaged many lives and our thoughts go out to the family of Harlow Edwards.


"Because of what you did, Harlow will never come home."