A retired Perthshire anaesthetist who had an unblemished driving record of more than 40 years caused a head-on collision, leaving four people injured.
Perth Sheriff Court heard William Elsden, 66, of Walnut Grove, West Kinfauns, had been travelling home from Glenshee Ski Centre with his son and his son’s girlfriend on January 4, when “for reasons unknown” he allowed his car to veer into the opposite carriageway into an oncoming car.
Depute Fiscal Alan Morrison said: “The accused was driving south, with the people in the complainer’s car going north on the A85 Dundee Road in Perth. The accused’s vehicle crossed on to the opposite carriageway and caused a head-on collision with this car, resulting in extensive damage to both cars.
“All the people involved managed to get out of the vehicles but injuries were sustained. The road was closed for some time following the collision.”
The court heard that the driver of the oncoming car suffered bruising to his knees, while his wife – a front-seat passenger – suffered whiplash injuries, including a fractured sternum. A child – understood to be primary school age – suffered bruising to his chest.
Mr Morrison told the court Elsden’s son’s girlfriend, who had been sleeping in the back of the car, suffered suspected broken ribs.
QC Anne Bennie, defending, said her client was a retired anaesthetist who had been driving home following a skiing trip to Glenshee Ski Centre.
“My client left the ski resort at 3.15pm and had been chatting to his son on the journey home,” she said.
“His son’s girlfriend was sleeping in the back of the car as she suffers from travel sickness.”
Ms Bennie said the collision was caused by a “momentary lapse of concentration” and Elsden was “shocked and stunned” by both the collision and the resulting injuries to those concerned.
“My client was especially shocked given that he had worked as an anaesthetist,” she added.
“He has undertaken the extended driving test since this accident.”
Elsden admitted that on January 4 on the A85 Dundee Road, Perth, he drove dangerously by causing his car to cross on to the opposite carriageway and collide with an oncoming car whereby four people were injured.
Sentencing Elsden, Sheriff Derek Reekie told him: “Clearly this incident was highly unfortunate for everyone concerned and caused significant injuries for the occupants of the vehicles. You have held a driving licence since 1976 and it is with regret that you appear in court given your former professional career.
“I do note that you have taken steps to address matters by voluntarily taking the extended driving test but this was a serious matter.”
Elsden was fined £800 and banned from driving for 12 months.
