Teenager spared jail after crash victim family pleads for softer sentence
Bethany Fraser admitted causing the death of Agnes Clark in a car crash near Forfar's Tannadice last year
Last updated 18th Sep 2024
A woman who admitted causing a fatal crash has been spared jail after a plea from the victim's family.
The collision happened last year near Tannadice, when 71-year-old Agnes Clark was a passenger in Bethany Fraser’s car.
Fraser, 19, from Ellon was taking Agnes and friends home from a hen party, however failed to stop at a junction, colliding with another car.
Agnes was taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment but died five days later on August 25, 2023.
At Forfar Sheriff court, Fraser was sentenced to a community payback order with 140 hours of unpaid work and supervision for three months.
She was also banned from driving for 16 months.
A statement issued on behalf of the family of Agnes Clark said: “Jo was a loving mum, partner and grandma – she was the heart of our family and her laugh was infectious.
“She had an incredible sense of humour and often took the mick out of herself and everyone but in an endearing way that helped everyone look at the fun side of life.
“Wanting justice is not same as demanding punishment – the latter helps no one.
“Bethany is not a bad person.
“We know she did not set out to cause a tragedy that day.
“It is important that any outcome reflects the seriousness of what happened but we don’t want to see another life ruined by a jail term – if there is a chance that Bethany, and others, have the chance to learn and live better lives then we would be open to that.
“We’d finally just like to thank our wider friends, family and the community for their support but request that our privacy is respected as we move forwards.”