The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Man in court over tragic death of toddler in Coupar Angus.
Two-year-old was killed and her siblings seriously injured in Coupar Angus road accident
A young man has appeared in court in connection with the death of Coupar Angus toddler Harlow Edwards.
Luke Pirie made a brief appearance in private at Perth Sheriff Court to face two charges in connection with the road accident that claimed the two-year-old’s life on October 31 last year.
The 23-year-old, of Forfar, is accused of causing Harlow’s death by driving dangerously on the A94 in Coupar Angus.
He is also accused of causing serious injury to her 17-year-old sister and sixyear-old brother in the same incident.
The court was cleared of the public and the media so that Pirie could appear alone, with his solicitor, before Sheriff Lindsay Foulis.
His appearance lasted just a few minutes, during which he confirmed his name and indicated that he was making no plea.
He had his case continued for further examination, before being released on bail to return to court at a later date.
Harlow Edwards died while walking with her brother and sister near Larghan Park in Coupar Angus in 2016.
Locals had long been concerned about road safety at the location, but the tragedy horrified the entire community.
In the wake of the accident, locals joined the Edwards family in calling for major road safety improvements.
Campaigners took a number of steps, including installing scarecrow police officers in an effort to put the brakes on passing motorists.
One activist even altered 30mph signs at each of the town’s entrances, creating an unofficial 20mph zone.
Harlow’s family have been working with other residents, the local community council, elected members and Perth and Kinross Council to find solutions. The first step was taken this month as councillors approved proposals to cut the speed limit on the A94 at Coupar Angus.
Members of the enterprise and infrastructure committee unanimously backed a bid to create a part-time 20mph limit on Forfar Road, at the edge of the town. More measures, including electronic signs and road markings, are still being discussed.