Inverness court hears driver from Kintore, Inverurie tell family of man killed near A9 in Ross-shire by his careless driving that he 'very much feels the pain and anguish' he has caused
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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.
Stuart Blaire (81), of Sunnyside View, Kintore, Inverurie, appeared at Tain Sheriff Court this week to admit causing death by careless driving on the A9 near the B9176 at Skiach, on July 20 last year.
The charge states the vehicle he was driving crossed onto the opposing carriageway and collided with a car driven by James Thain.
Mr Thain was so severely injured that he died.
Relatives of Mr Thain attended Monday’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 reports and asked him to delay hearing the Crown narration regarding the incident until the sentencing diet.
“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, saying all parties in addition to the family of the victim, were present.
However, Sheriff Aitken sided with Ms Duff and deferred sentence until February 4 for reports and 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.
