Pensioner to Stand Trial over Horror Smash
An 82 year old woman is to stand trial accused of killing a man in a horror road smash after allegedly overtaking on a blind crest and causing a head-on smash, a court heard today.
An 82 year old woman is to stand trial accused of killing a man in a horror road smash after allegedly overtaking on a blind crest and causing a head-on smash, a court heard today
Jacqueline Low-Mitchell - a former showjumper who ran a successful stud farm with husband Duglad prior to his death - is alleged to have caused the death of Adam Maxwell in November last year on the A916 near Craigrothie, south of Cupar.
Low-Mitchell is alleged to have been driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a horse box filled with grain at the time of the smash, which occurred at around 11.45am on November 13 2013.
An air ambulance was summoned to the scene of the smash, on the A916 Cupar to Kennoway road, to fly Adam to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Howver, Adam, 28, a mechanic, passed away the following night from injuries sustained in the smash.
Prosecutors say Low-Mitchell drove without due care and attention and commenced an overtaing manouevre on the approach to a blind crest.
She is then said to have collided with Mr Maxwell's Vauxhall Nova, which was travelling in the opposite direction, causing him "serious and fatal injuries".
Low-Mitchell, 82, of Leven, Fife, made her first public appearance at Dundee Sheriff Court accused of causing death by careless driving.
Her solicitor entered a not guilty plea on her behalf and said investigations on behalf of the defence were still being undertaken ahead of a future trial.
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro released the pensioner on bail ahead of a trial in November.
Speaking from the family home in Gateside, Fife, following the smash - Mr Maxwell's stepfather, Joe Rodger, 64, said Adam's passing had left a "huge void".
His stepsisters Julie Mcintosh, 38, and Rosie Mackenzie, 38, said they were dreading Christmas without their beloved younger brother.
Rosie said: "Adam absolutely loved Christmas and spent it with the family every year.
"He enjoyed the simple things like pulling crackers and he enjoyed collecting the wee items you get inside them.
"It's going to be a very sad house on Christmas Day this year with an empty chair where he should be sitting.
"Christmas just won't be the same again."