Home   News   Article

Low sun 'only explanation' for Thurso accident which injured pensioner





The setting sun is said to have been to blame for a road accident in which an elderly pensioner was knocked down by a car in Thurso.

Wick Sheriff Court was told on Wednesday that it appeared to be the only explanation for the driver Gary Beales' action, which inflicted spine fractures on the 73-year-old pedestrian.

Beales (26), a first offender, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving. The accident occurred in St John's Square, Thurso, on May 27.

The accused was on his way home to Rose Street, Thurso, when he failed to see the woman after she stepped off the pavement into his path.

Fiscal David Barclay said that Beales stopped immediately and got out of his car to see what he could do to lend assistance and identified himself as the driver to police officers who arrived.

Mr Barclay said that Beales provided a negative breath test to officers who said that there was no question of the accused having driven at an inappropriate speed. The fiscal added that the police noted there was a low sun at the time.

The woman was treated at Caithness General Hospital and was discharged on June 21.

Mr Barclay commented that the consequences for her were disproportionate to the level of carelessness.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Beales had stopped at the traffic lights and noted that the sun was just above a building. Then he moved off taking a left-hand turn then a right-hand one.

Following the impact, Beales got out to see what he could do to look after the pensioner until an ambulance and the police arrived.

Miss MacDonald added: "The only explanation he can give for the accident is having his view obstructed by the sun."

Sheriff Andrew Berry described the accident as "an extremely serious matter". He stressed that the pedestrian was "an entirely innocent party simply crossing the road".

The sheriff expressed the hope of everyone involved that she would make "as full a recovery as possible" from her injuries.

He also agreed that the consequences of the accident were in excess of a charge of careless driving but made the point that this would be of no consolation to the woman.

Sheriff Berry imposed a fine of £325 and four penalty points.


View our fact sheet on court reporting here



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More