Retired Highlands Sheriff dozed off at wheel causing accident
A retired Highland Sheriff dozed off at the wheel of his Vauxhall Corsa car and collided with an oncoming vehicle causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson was told former Sheriff James Fraser was driving his Corsa on Harbour Road in Inverness at 2pm on October 21 when a Honda CV was being driven in the opposite direction.
Depute fiscal Chris Munro said the driver of the Honda, who was in a company vehicle, saw Fraser’s gold coloured Corsa coming towards him then it appeared to veer into the opposite lane colliding with the side of Honda.
Mr Munro said both vehicles were extensively damaged and the total cost of the damage came to £8,345.
The fiscal said when charged Fraser told police officers he was tired and closed his eyes for a second and veered into oncoming traffic.
Fraser, (76), of Marine Terrace, Rosemarkie, was not present for the hearing.
He admitted by letter driving without due car and attention, veering onto the opposite carriageway and colliding with another vehicle.
Ken Ferguson, solicitor appearing on behalf of Fraser, said a letter pleading guilty had been lodged with the court and he asked Sheriff Neilson to deal with the case.
Sheriff Neilson fined Fraser £330 and endorsed his licence with four penalty points.
