A JURY has been urged to convict a driver who was "a bit angry and frustrated" before allegedly killing a pensioner.

Andrew McKinley is accused of causing the death of 70 year-old Jean Shearer by dangerous driving on Hogmanay 2017.

Jean was a passenger in a Smart car driven by her 80 year-old husband Walter, who was also hurt.

McKinley's van is said to have collided with the vehicle on the A737 near Dalry.

The 26 year-old denies the charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

In his closing speech, prosecutor Paul Kearney said: “I have no doubt Mr McKinley bitterly regrets the way in which he chose to drive.

"It is the quality of driving alone you have to consider.

“The way he chose to drive was clearly dangerous.

"As a result Jean Shearer was killed and Walter Shearer was seriously injured. That is the only appropriate verdict."

The advocate depute reminded jurors of a police interview McKinley, of Kilmarnock, gave.

Mr Kearney said: "Mr McKinley said the girl in Dalry was driving at a reduced speed and (he) was getting a bit angry, frustrated and shouldn't have overtaken."

George Gebbie, defending, told the court the death was as a result of "a decision made in an instant".

He said to the jury: “Whatever your decision, you will be satisfied that this wasn't a case of dangerous driving.

"Whether it is careless driving that is a matter for you, but it doesn’t meet dangerous driving.” 

Prosecutors allege McKinley drove dangerously at an excessive speed and overtook the car in front of him when it was not safe to do so before hitting the Shearers’ Smart car.

The trial, before Judge Johanna Johnston QC, continues.