Wick Sheriff Court: Woman knocked down in Thurso by careless driver

A Thurso man was charged after an elderly woman was knocked down while crossing the road in the town.

Callum Swann (45) pleaded guilty by letter to careless driving by failing to keep a proper lookout and was fined £400. He also incurred eight penalty points.

Wick Sheriff Court was told on Wednesday that the accident occurred on February 4, on Castlegreen Road, Thurso, during lighting-up time.

Fiscal David Barclay said that 60-year-old Linda Hamilton had almost reached the pavement when she was struck by the accused's car which had entered the street from a junction.

The fiscal said that Ms Hamilton was treated in hospital and required stitches in one of her hands. She also sustained bruising.

He added: "Ms Hamilton also struck her head and was detained overnight for observation."

Mr Barclay told Sheriff Linsey Johnston: "Witnesses spoke to Swann's driving immediately before the accident and described it as normal. There was no question of excessive speed. The collision was really caused by a lack of observation on the part of the accused, nothing more significant."

Sheriff Johnston said that the level of carelessness was not at the serious end of that type of offence although the consequences for Ms Hamilton, had been"very unfortunate".

The sheriff added that Swann, of Upper Burnside Drive, Thurso, was a first offender and was in full-time employment.