A TEENAGE boy left for dead by a hit-and-run driver has said he feels sorry for the man who mowed him down.
Alastair Harvie, who was 17 at the time of the accident, was in Glasgow Sheriff Court to watch as Michael Burke, 23, was sentenced to 19 months in prison.
Alastair, who was left in a coma, welcomed the sentence – but said two families had been affected by the crash.
The 19-year-old said: "I feel relieved that it's all over. It has been two years and five different trial dates. I'm not angry, though. Burke's family has been affected by this too, and I really think they are worse off than my family is.
"I have a supportive family and am just getting on with my life."
Alastair had been on a night out with friends in June 2010 to celebrate the end of exams when the accident happened. They were heading to a party but as they crossed the junction of St Vincent Street and Hope Street, Burke ran through the red light, and struck Alastair.
Burke's car hit Alastair with such force the windscreen was smashed and he was thrown into the road.
The teenager, from the South Side, was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary before being transferred to the Southern General.
There, doctors said there was little hope of him being able to function normally again.
Douglas gave an emotional appeal for information in the Evening Times at the time of the incident. He spoke of his "miracle son" who had excelled at school and was a successful sportsman.
Alastair, who is to start at university after the summer, and Douglas heard Sheriff Cathcart say the effects of Burke's actions on Alastair and his family had been "devastating".
Burke has three previous motoring convictions, including a drink-driving conviction just weeks after he had run down Alastair.
Douglas, an accountant, added: "Burke waited until after we had given evidence to plead guilty. There is a definite sense of relief that this is all over."
catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk