Serious Injury Fort William Cyclist

Our client had been driving his car at an excessive speed and approached a blind corner. Just beyond the apex of the corner were two cyclists, not quite in single file, and an on-coming vehicle travelling in the opposing carriageway. Our client had to make a split-second decision, and somehow managed to weave between the cyclists and the other vehicle but, unfortunately, his car clipped the back wheel of the lead cyclist who was seriously injured as a result. 

When the police arrived, our client was asked to provide breath specimens, which he passed for alcohol. Unfortunately, he failed a drugs test and tested positive for cannabis. He was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and, driving whilst over the prescribed limit for a controlled substance.

We reviewed all the evidence in the case, and whilst his actual driving wasn't too bad, the presence of drugs in his system meant that, in our opinion, a jury would have convicted him of the offences.

We were able to negotiate a significantly reduced charge and largely controlled the outcome of the case.

Our Mr Simpson appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court on 8th December 2022 to mitigate on behalf of our client.

Following extensive oral arguments, our client was disqualified from driving for a period of 2 years (the statutory minimum), and was fined £2,000. 

This was a fantastic result as there was a very real prospect of a custodial sentence in this case.

Our client was absolutely delighted.

 Reduced Sentence!