Italian tourist jailed for Moray crash which killed five people
Alfredo Ciociola was the driver of a Fiat Talento minibus which collided with a Nissan X-Trail near Keith in 2018
Last updated 13th Dec 2022
A man has been sentenced to three years behind bars after being convicted for causing the deaths of five people, including his 4-year-old son.
Alfredo Ciociola was the driver of a Fiat Talento minibus which collided with a Nissan X-Trail on the A96 between Keith and Huntly on July 26th 2018.
The 50-year-old's minibus crossed the other side of the road and crashed with the Nissan.
Edward (Ted) Reid, 63, from Macduff, Evalyn Collie, 69, from Aberchirder and Audrey Appleby, 70, from Aberchirder from the Nissan were all killed.
Four-year-old Lorenzo Ciociola and 63-year-old Frances Saliba Patanè both from Sicily also died.
A number of other people suffered serious injuries.
'I want to get on with rebuilding some king of future' - crash survivor
Alfredo Ciociola displayed no emotion at the High Court in Livingston today as his translator told him what his sentence would be.
Crash victim Morag Smith welcomed the jail term handed down to Ciociola.
Although she did not attend, she released a statement through Digby Brown Solicitors.
She said: “Although I am surprised by the sentence I am welcome it.
“However it also strange because in reality the damage is done and the length of time Ciociola spends behind bars makes no real impact on my day-to-day life.
“I now just want to get on with rebuilding some kind of future.”
When Ciociola was convicted last month, Police Scotland said the incident showed how "any lapse in concentration" while driving can lead to tragedy.
Chief Inspector Andrew Barclay said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident which has impacted on so many lives since it happened four years ago.
“It is a stark example of the consequences of driving while unfit to do so safely. In this instance Alfredo Ciociola continued to drive, despite being tired and ultimately, he fell asleep at the wheel, leading to this tragedy.
“It shows how any lapse in concentration while driving can result in tragedy.
“The impact of this incident on everyone who responded on the day and also on the wider community cannot be underestimated.
“Most importantly I want to extend my sympathies to the families and everyone directly affected by the loss of the five people who died."