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A9 death crash driver tells court of his sorrow


By Court Reporter

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An elderly driver who caused the death of another motorist has spoken through his lawyer of his “deep sadness” at the incident and expressed his condolences to the family of his victim.

Stuart Blaire (81), Kintore, Inverurie, appeared at Tain Sheriff Court today to admit causing death by careless driving on the trunk road near to the junction with the B9176 at Skiach, on July 20 last year.

Blaire appeared at Tain Sheriff Court but he will be sentenced at Inverness Sheriff Court.
Blaire appeared at Tain Sheriff Court but he will be sentenced at Inverness Sheriff Court.

The charge states that the vehicle he was driving crossed onto the opposing carriageway and collided with a car driven by James Thain.

Both vehicles were damaged and Mr Thain was so severely injured that he died.

Relatives of Mr Thain attended today's calling of the case.

Defence advocate Susan Duff told the court: “Mr Blaire has asked me to express his deep sadness at the death of Mr Thain and wishes me to pass on his condolences to his family.

“He fully appreciates that it was his actions that caused Mr Thain’s death and he very much feels the pain and anguish he has caused to Mr Thain’s family. He knows there are relatives in court and he wants them to know that.”

Ms Duff told Sheriff Gary Aitken that she anticipated he would adjourn the case for the preparation of background reports, and asked that he also delay hearing the Crown narration regarding the incident until the sentencing diet, when she would also give the plea of mitigation.

“The narrative is not yet agreed,” she said. “I understand from the procurator fiscal depute that he emailed me a version this morning and I have not had the opportunity to consider that.”

Iain Gray, prosecuting, asked that the narration be heard there and then, pointing out that all parties in addition to the family of the victim, were present.

However, Sheriff Aitken sided with Ms Duff and went on to defer sentence until February 4 for reports and also a restriction of liberty assessment.

He said: “This is a very grave charge with appalling consequences for Mr Thain and his family.”

An interim driving disqualification was imposed, but Ms Duff said Blaire had already given up his licence.


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