A father who caused the death of an NHS worker by driving through a red light in Glasgow has avoided being sentenced to jail. Robert Hasebe was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow for the crash that led to the death of 26-year-old NHS radiographer Noor Court after being struck by a signpost near the city’s O2 Academy on October 6, 2021. Initially, the 38-year-old claimed he hadn’t stopped at the red light due to being “blinded by the sun.” Hasebe was convicted of causing Miss Court’s death by careless driving. Despite the Crown rejecting his plea and pursuing the trial on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, he was not sentenced to jail.
Judge Lord Colbeck sentenced Hasebe to 300 hours of unpaid work, a four-year driving ban, and a six-month curfew from 7pm to 7am. The judge acknowledged that no sentence could undo the loss suffered by Miss Court’s family and friends. He emphasised that Hasebe’s actions had caused irreparable harm but opted for a non-custodial sentence based on the circumstances.
During the trial, it was revealed that Hasebe, accompanied by his family, failed to notice a red light at an intersection in Eglinton Street, leading to a collision with another vehicle and ultimately striking Miss Court. Despite efforts from emergency crews, Miss Court did not survive the accident. Hasebe admitted not stopping at the red light but claimed he believed it was green as he approached the intersection.
Prosecutors argued that Hasebe had not been attentive while driving and questioned his claim of being blinded by the sun. The court was told that Hasebe’s actions were more accurately described as careless rather than caused by external factors. Hasebe’s lawyer stated that his client had no intentions of driving again and acknowledged the lifelong burden of the tragic incident on Hasebe and his family.
In response to the guilty verdict, Miss Court’s parents expressed their grief over her loss and highlighted the delay in securing justice. They also raised concerns about Hasebe remaining free to drive until the last moment. Miss Court’s family thanked their supporters and requested privacy as they navigate their future without their beloved daughter.
Noor Court was remembered as a cherished individual by her family, friends, and colleagues at the NHS. Her loved ones paid tribute to her kind and loving nature, with her mother describing her as a princess and light of their family. Her boyfriend and sister also expressed their devastation at the loss of such a perfect and wonderful person.
As the community mourns the loss of Noor Court, the court’s decision in the case has stirred conversations about road safety, accountability, and the long-lasting impact of such tragedies on families and communities.