Published: Wednesday, 5th May, 2010 10:12am

Woman appears in court following death of learner driver

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A MOTORIST has made a private court appearance charged with causing the death of a young learner driver.

Patricia Aitken, is accused of driving carelessly and causing her vehicle to go onto the opposite carriageway of the A6091 Melrose by-pass on August 26.

It is alleged she caused the vehicles to collide resulting in the death of 22-year-old Suzanne Harkness of Galashiels, and also severely injuring driving instructor James Egan and herself.

The 54-year-old of High Street, Melrose, made no plea or declaration when she appeared on petition at Selkirk Sheriff Court and the case was continued for further examination.

She was released on bail by Sheriff Valerie Johnston.

Office worker Miss Harkness, who formerly worked as a bar manager in Galashiels, was taking part in a driving lesson around 6p.m. when the accident happened.

She suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to the nearby Borders General Hospital. She died a short time later.

Mr Egan, 48, who operates the Polar School of Motoring in Galashiels, suffered a neck injury and was transferred from Borders General Hospital to a hospital in Glasgow for specialised treatment.