Perthshire Advertiser

Fine for causing partner’s death

-

passenger in the Skoda Fabia when Martin lost control between two bends on the A926 New Alyth-Blairgowri­e road on January 19, 2018.

Imposing the fine and ban, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said it “came as no surprise” to him that the accused was judged in a background report to be unable to carry out unpaid work.

He added: “The narrative indicated that this accident was caused as a result of you negotiatin­g a corner at a speed which was too fast for the prevailing road conditions and over-steering in an attempt to regain control.”

There was “no suggestion” that he had been exceeding the 60mph limit on that stretch of road.

And he told Martin: “I have no doubt the tragic circumstan­ces will continue to remain with you as a result of ill-fortune and you driving below the necessary standard for a short period.

“In most instances, a fatality would not have resulted - and the carelessne­ss was at the lower end.”

The accused was off work for a lengthy period after the smash and the “loss of his partner affected him greatly,” according to depute fiscal David Barclay.

Martin, of Falcon Path, Glenrothes, admitted causing Mr Edgar’s death by driving carelessly and at excessive speed near the junction with the road leading to North Littleton, Blairgowri­e.

The Skoda then crossed onto the opposing carriagewa­y before colliding with a fence and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, damaging the fence and the two vehicles.

Mr Edgar suffered injuries from which he later died in Ninewells on January 24, 2018.

Two other people in the pick-up were injured. Driver Stephen McCord hurt his neck, back and leg and his wife Yvonne, a front seat passenger, suffered whiplash and soft tissue damage.

Solicitor Jamie Baxter, for Martin, said he and his partner decided to go for a drive after purchasing the car that morning.

A former profession­al dancer, Martin had “come late” to driving and had only passed his test in April, 2016.

Mr Baxter said: “He wasn’t used to the vehicle he was driving and hasn’t driven since the date of the accident.

“The most devastatin­g consequenc­e of the accident was the loss of his partner having to cope with that and come to terms with it.

“They had a very loving relationsh­ip, were lifelong partners and were very happy together.”

The accused, who had just recently gone from receiving full pay to living on statutory sick pay, was allowed 12 months to pay the fine.

The court heard that his only asset was his house, bought for £110,000 but which has a £100,000 mortgage.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom