FIFE COUNCIL will put cameras on their vehicles after an employee reversed a truck over a pensioner in Dalgety Bay and killed her.

Street cleaner Allan Mackie (45) avoided a jail term on Monday despite causing the death of Mary McNeill at Moray Way on 23rd May 2013.

Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard that the 76-year-old was run over by the rear left wheel of a Fife Council Ford Transit pick-up and then dragged down the street.

A witness “saw her legs on the roadway” and Mrs McNeill died at the scene from “multiple” chest injuries.

In the wake of the accident, a successful petition was launched to get a pedestrian crossing at Moray Way and the council has also promised to add safety features to their fleet. Spokesman Damien Woods said, “I can confirm that we are fitting reversing cameras to all of our new vehicles that are three-and-a-half tonnes and over.” Mackie, of Langside Avenue in Leven, admitted causing Mrs McNeill’s death by careless driving.

Sheriff Craig McSherry said the case was “tragic” and sentenced him to a community payback order of 240 hours unpaid work and banned him from driving for six months.

The court heard that Mrs McNeill had been shopping in the town when she began to cross Moray Way.

Mackie pulled across the road when he noticed a bin bag blowing in the street and he then began to reverse the truck and struck her.

Fiscal depute Claire Bremner said that the elderly woman would have been visible in the nearside mirror for “three to four seconds” prior to impact. She said, “She was struck by the vehicle and knocked to the ground. The vehicle continued reversing and the left rear wheel ran over her.

“At around this time a member of the public passing the locus saw her legs on the roadway.

“The woman stopped and spoke to the accused who was in his cab and said, ‘I didn’t see her’.

“He was holding his mobile phone and the woman said to call emergency services.” Ms Bremner continued, “A nurse passing found a strong pulse in Mrs McNeill’s neck which grew gradually weaker.

“It became apparent she stopped breathing and CPR was commenced and other members of the public stopped to give assistance. It then became apparent she had died.

“The accused was taken to hospital in an ambulance in a severe state of shock.

“The cause of death was recorded as multiple chest injuries.” Defence agent Barney Ross said, “This is a genuinely tragic case and for his part, Mr Mackie is deeply remorseful.

“He has instructed me to apologise to the family and friends of those affected by the death of Mary McNeill and extends his condolences to them.” Sheriff McSherry said, “The circumstances are that there was a failure to check his mirrors and if that had happened it is likely Mrs McNeill would have been seen.

“The Crown have accepted this was a case of momentary inattention.

“I have no doubt the accused has deep and lasting remorse – he has been in a state of shock and it has had a lasting psychological effect.” Speaking after the death, Mrs McNeill’s daughter, Valerie, said, “She was an active lady who enjoyed the company of family and friends. Mary will be sadly missed by all who knew her, especially her family.”