COURT: Boat of Garten farmer admits careless driving charge that left van passenger with life changing injuries

A farmer has admitted careless driving that led to life changing injuries of another motorist.

Dale McLaughlan (55) was behind the wheel of a tractor which turned right into an overtaking vehicle causing serious injury to the van's passenger Callum Hunter.

The accident happened on the A95 road near the Speyside Centre at Skye of Curr by Dulnain Bridge, on December 1, 2020.

McLaughlan, of Torispardon Farm, Boat of Garten, pleaded guilty at Inverness Sheriff court to driving without due care and attention.

The charge he admitted to stated that he failed to indicate he was turning without sufficient time.

Mr Hunter suffered what was thought at first to be life threatening injuries and required rehabilitation.

McLaughlan was given five penalty points and fined £400 for the careless driving charge at the court on Wednesday.

In a statement released by Digby Brown Solicitors, crash victim Mr Hunter said: “I don’t have any malice towards the tractor driver as everyone makes mistakes so while it’s right any wrongs are acknowledged I am glad the sentencing isn’t something that’s going to ruin his life.

“The accident changed my life in so many ways but what’s important is I’m still here.

“I can no longer work, I’ve lost the ability to do my hobbies and I see the pain on my family’s face too when they see what I’m going through but it’s important to keep going and getting on with things and staying positive.

“I’d like to have my privacy respected as I focus on my recovery but I’d finally just like to say to the nurses, firefighters, air ambulance, everyone who rushed to help after the crash… you all gave me a second chance at life and I just want to thank you all for it.”