A young Angus driver has been fined and banned for his role in a “devastating” back road crash which left his girlfriend fighting for her life.
Morgan Rourke was behind the wheel of a vehicle with bald tyres when he aquaplaned into a wall on the road between Carnoustie and Easthaven in early January last year.
He escaped virtually unscathed but his partner suffered multiple injuries and spent weeks in hospital.
She was the front seat passenger in the Ford Fiesta, which Rourke had only recently bought before it veered off the road near Panbride House around 6.30pm on January 4.
The road was closed for more than three hours as investigators probed the circumstances of the crash.
Rourke has now been fined and banned after he admitted culpably and recklessly driving a car with defective tyres.
The sheriff dealing with the case said it should force home to every motorist the importance of properly maintaining their vehicle.
The 20-year-old, of Spence Crescent, Carnoustie appeared before Sheriff Derek Reekie at Forfar for sentence following the preparation of a background report which Rourke’s solicitor said strongly recommended a community-based disposal.
Sheriff Derek Reekie told Rourke: “You’ve no previous convictions of any sort, you’re a working man and I entirely accept that this incident had devastating consequences for everyone, particularly your partner.
“It’s fortunate, and thankful, that your partner has made a full recovery and your relationship has survived this.
“It clearly demonstrates the dangers of driving a motor vehicle with any defect, and the importance of maintaining your vehicle.”
The sheriff added: “This is a very particular set of circumstances and, thankfully, what appeared to be the likely consequences for everyone did not materialise.”
He noted Rourke had already taken the step of attending an advanced driving course.
The sheriff said the fact Rourke had been charged with culpable and reckless conduct rather than under the Road Traffic Act gave him discretion over whether or not a driving ban should be imposed.
“I am aware of the difficulties disqualification will cause, but I do think there is still an issue of public protection and a period of disqualification is appropriate,” he said.
“Had this been dangerous driving it would have been a minimum 12 months, but in the circumstances I am prepared to restrict it to 11 months.
“As regards a punitive element, in one sense you have been punished by what you have been through and I don’t think you need any reminder of the seriousness of this.
“In the very particular circumstances I am prepared to deal with it by was of a financial penalty of £900.”
