Banned driver high on cocaine killed pensioner after stealing a Maserati and crashing into his garden at 85mph; victim was working in the garden

Fraser Garden, 55, a career criminal with a history of dangerous driving, stole a Maserati Quattroporte and drove it at nearly three times the speed limit before crashing into John Bell, 74, who was working in his garden. The incident occurred on April 13, 2026, in Broughty Ferry, Dundee.¹²³⁴⁶

Garden, who had been disqualified from driving multiple times, was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the crash. He drove the stolen vehicle at speeds exceeding 85 mph in a 30 mph zone, overtaking vehicles and running red lights. The court heard that he lost control of the car, which clipped a kerb and struck a traffic island before crashing through a hedge into Bell's garden, pinning him against a wall and causing non-survivable injuries.⁵

Bell, a great-grandfather, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was married with three children, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Garden, who has over 90 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to charges including theft of a motor vehicle and causing death by dangerous driving. Judge Lord Braid described Garden's actions as “truly appalling” and indicated that a lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable, with sentencing set for August 21.⁸⁹

The court was informed that Garden had been released on bail for multiple shoplifting charges just a week before the fatal incident. He tested negative for alcohol but positive for cocaine, and refused to provide a blood sample at the hospital.¹⁰

Data from the car revealed it was traveling at 34 mph upon impact, highlighting the severity of the crash and the reckless nature of Garden's driving.