Wasted court trip costs £1k

A NURSE took a flight then drove for 13 hours overnight to give evidence in court, only to be told the case was cancelled.

Allison Mackay, 54, flew from the Isle of Man, where she was working as an agency nurse, to Gatwick Airport, London. It was the only flight available because it was during the popular Isle of Man TT motorbike racing event. She then hired a car and drove more than 600 miles to Tain Sheriff Court, Ross-shire.

But Miss Mackay, pictured, was left furious this week when the Crown Office refused to reimburse her, saying she should have told them in advance about her costs. Including her return flight, she says she is at least £1,000 down.

It was only when she arrived at her home in Tain on the day of the hearing last year that she discovered a letter from the court informing her the accused had pleaded guilty and she was not required to appear. She said: ‘It was dated just two days before the case was due and it must have only arrived the previous day. I was furious no one had phoned or emailed me.’

Miss Mackay intends to appeal. The Crown Office will review the case.