Melrose motorist admits causing fatal collision

David Knox • Published 8 Dec 2011 09:30

A MELROSE motorist has admitted causing the death of a learner driver from Galashiels more than two years ago.

Patricia Aitken pled guilty to careless driving yesterday (Tuesday) when she appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Her car collided with a vehicle being driven by Suzanne Harkness on the A6091, Melrose bypass, in August 2009.

The 22-year-old learner driver died following the crash and her instructor, James Egan, was left with serious injuries.

Miss Harkness, an office worker from Galashiels, was rushed to Borders General Hospital for treatment, but her injuries were too severe and she died a short time later.

Mr Egan, who runs the Polar School of Motoring, was transferred to a hospital offering specialist treatment in Glasgow.

Aitken had never denied she was behind the wheel during the smash - but her legal team had attempted to blame a low calorie diet for causing her to black out when she was behind the wheel.

Shelagh McCall QC told a previous hearing: "There is no dispute that Mrs Aitken was driving and the events narrated in the charge occurred.

"The issue for the jury is what caused the accident and whether she attracts criminal liability.

"She had began a very low calorie diet shortly before the crash. The nature of the diet can cause the loss of consciousness and fainting and may explain this otherwise inexplicable crash."

But an expert's report into nutrition and metabolism, which was produced at yesterday's hearing, found that Aitken's diet hadn't been a factor in the crash.

The court was told yesterday that the 55-year-old hadn't driven since the fatal collision.

Sheriff Donald Corke deferred sentencing until January 6 for the preparation of background reports.

Aitken has been disqualified for the interim period.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 07 Dec 11

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