Driver faces trial over fatal M8 crash

a driver will face trial next year following the death of a 49-year-old man on the M8 last year.

alexander Cassidy is said to have struck West Lothian Council employee Wayne strickland’s car on the M8 near Livingston in July last year.

at the High Court in glasgow last thursday, Cassidy faced a charge of causing the 49 year-old’s death by dangerous driving but instead submitted a plea of causing the incident due to driving without due care and attention.

But, prosecutor Lynsey MacDonald told the court:“that plea is not acceptable.”

Cassidy, of Kilmarnock, will now stand trial in March next year.

It is alleged Cassidy drove a van dangerously and at“excessive speed” for the conditions on the westbound M8 on July 20 last year.

He is accused of not observing slow or stationary traffic before hitting the back of Mr strickland’s vehicle.

this is said to have caused Mr strickland’s car to strike a third motor which went into the rear of a lorry.

the indictment states Mr strickland, of Inverkeithing, Fife, was so severely injured that he died. the victim was a business advisor with West Lothian Council.

Cassidy is due to stand trial on March 14 in Livingston. the case could last up to five days.