Doubt over fatal road crash High Court trial

A CROY man allegedly to blame for a fatal road crash which caused the death of his dad may not be fit to stand trial.

James Mowat (47), has missed a number of court dates because he is still in hospital in Inverness.

And defence advocate Shahid Latif told the High Court in Edinburgh today that the prognosis was not good.

Mowat still showed signs of "cognitive impairment" and had difficulty with his speech, said the lawyer.

Judge Lord Pentland fixed another hearing for later this month, allowing prosecution and defence to make further inquiries.

"I hope it will be possible for parties to reach a considered view about where this case is going," he said.

Mowat, of Ardcroy Road, Croy, faces a charge of driving carelessly while unfit through drink or drugs, or an alternative charge which alleges his alcohol level was three and a half times the legal limit when he was driving carelessly.

The indictment alleges that as a result of the smash on the B9091 Croy to Nairn road near Clephanton on November 16 2011, passenger James Mowat senior was fatally injured.

Mowat's car is said to have failed to take a bend, left the roadway and hit an embankment and a tree.

Mowat also faces charges of failing to report the accident and possessing cannabis.