Man on trial accused of causing death on A90

Lorry driver denies dangerous driving charge

A Moray lorry driver has gone on trial accused of causing the death of a man by driving dangerously on a north-east road.

Glen Craib was transporting Christmas trees in a HGV vehicle in November 2015 when he approached the junction with the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road coming out of Careston.

As he was entering the dual carriageway he crossed the lane to head south and stopped in the central reservation, leaving a part of his vehicle hanging over into the direction of oncoming traffic.

And while he waited for traffic to clear his vehicle was struck by an oncoming white Skoda driven by Witold Solski.

Sixty-five-year-old Mr Solski from Dundee was pronounced dead at the scene.

And yesterday Craib appeared in the dock at Aberdeen High Court to face trial accused of causing the pensioner’s death by dangerous driving.

The 46-year-old, of Cockmuir Place in Elgin, denies the charge.

Police constable Jack Swindles described what awaited him when he arrived at the crash.

Advocate depute Ashley Edwards asked him what he saw.

He said: “I saw a man in the driver’s seat. The seat was reclined fully into the rear. I checked to see if there were any signs of life. His eyes were open but he was not blinking. I checked for reaction however there was none.”

“At first I thought the car had been involved in a crash with the tractor but he told me his vehicle was involved.”

Barry Tait, who had been driving a tractor on the same side of the road as Mr Solski when the collision took place, was also called to give evidence.

He said: “The road was busy in a southbound direction. The lorry stopped in the central reservation. I then saw a car overtake me, I was surprised that it didn’t return to the inside lane.”

Ms Edwards asked how much of the lorry was left on the side of the road he was travelling on. He replied: “About four feet.” She then asked if the car swerved before the collision. He said: “No, it just carried on in a straight line until it hit the lorry.”

The trial continues.