Sentence deferred in fatal accident case

A MAN who admitted causing the death of a Dundee pensioner by careless driving has been given a temporary reprieve — but was told by a judge that he must take “some responsibility”.

Glenn Craib, 46, from Moray, was transporting Christmas trees in a HGV out of Careston in November 2015 when he approached the junction with the A90 Aberdeen to Dundee road.

He attempted to get across into the southbound carriageway but was unable to do so because of incoming traffic and left the rear end of his vehicle in the opposite side of the dual carriageway.

The lorry was then struck by an oncoming white Skoda car driven by Witold Solski, 65, of Balmoral Gardens in Dundee, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Judge Morris has deferred sentence on Craib, who was also allowed to keep his driving licence in the meantime.

Defence advocate Jonathan Crowe said: “My client had been a HGV driver for 20-plus years and had driven more than three million miles without any accidents.”

Judge Morris told Craib that he would almost certainly not be given a custodial sentence. He said: “I will allow you to keep your licence for now but do not drive to court when you are sentenced.

“It was a very tragic accident for which you must bear some responsibility.

“I will put your mind at rest as it is a long time before you will return to court.

“To give a custodial sentence I have to be satisfied that it is the only appropriate disposal and I am not satisfied of that in this case.”

Craib, of Cockmuir Place in Elgin, will be sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on August 16.

Top: Simon with his colleagues from Blackadders, Jack Boyle, left, and Andy Wallace, who are taking part in the Kiltwalk. Above: Simon with wife Maree.