Driver accused of causing death of partner on A9

Dangerous driving case accused is said to have caused death of passenger

A man who allegedly caused the death of his partner in a crash on the A9 has appeared in court.

Brian Hampson is accused of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as causing serious injury by dangerous driving, near Luncarty, on October 13 last year.

It is said the 29-year-old lost control of his Honda Civic and collided with an oncoming van, killing his passenger Kimberly Robertson, 31.

Hampson faces a charge that he drove at excessive speed and crossed the road into the path of an oncoming Vauxhall Vivaro van which led to a collision resulting in Ms Robertson sustaining fatal injuries.

A second charge alleges Mr Hampson caused serious injury to van driver Gerald Rogers, 70, and to a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, by driving dangerously.

Mr Hampson, of Rosyth, made no plea during a private hearing at Perth Sheriff Court. The case was continued for further examination and he was granted bail.

The family of Ms Robertson, who was also from Rosyth, set up a crowdfunding page to pay for her funeral.

The fundraising target was quadrupled to £2,000 in just a few days as donations from well-wishers poured in.

Friends, former school mates and work colleagues of Ms Robertson posted messages of condolence on the crowdfunding page.

Recent figures have revealed that the number of people injured in accidents on the A9 has dropped by 37% since average speed cameras were introduced.

An average 142,000 vehicles use the A9 every day and in the past it has had the reputation as one of the country’s most dangerous roads.

Improvements have been seen both north and south of Perth, however, with the A9 Safety Group reporting fewer incidents and delays and more reliable journey times over the past two years.

It believes the A9 interim safety plan – introduced while work is undertaken to dual the road in its entirety – has also led to a “significant improvement” in driver behaviour.