FORGIVENESS
involved were still supportive of White, who was “devastated and has struggled to come to terms with the loss of his friends”.
White still has flashbacks and has given up his job as a mechanic because he can’t concentrate, Latif said.
The advocate asked the sheriff not to send his client to jail.
He added: “He did not mean to cause the deaths of his girlfriend and his friend.
“Whatever led to the loss of control was a secondary lapse or error of judgment. He didn’t slow sufficiently down.”
White, who admitted causing death by careless driving, was ordered to do 300 hours of community service, banned from driving for 16 months and will be tagged and subject to a three-month night-time curfew.
The sheriff told him: “I have taken into account the letter from Ms Gilham’s mother, your lack of record, your age and that you are at low risk of re-offending. Had it been causing death by dangerous driving, you would have been sent to custody.”
After sentencing, Debbie and other relatives hugged White, as did members of John’s family.
Debbie would only say: “I am too overwhelmed at the moment to speak.”
White said: “I am grateful for the support from all the families. I am glad it is all over.”
The court was told White had only passed his test six months before the crash and lost control on a bend on the B9006 as he and his pals returned from a trip to McDonald’s in Inverness.
The court was told another passenger in the car – Rebecca Angus, 16 – sustained multiple injuries and is recovering.
White sustained head and pelvic injuries.
The two men in the Mercedes were taken to hospital but were not seriously injured.