Blind man in tractor caused crash

Sentence has been deferred until Simpson attends in person

A blind pensioner caused a crash on the A9 when he parked his tractor and trailer across the central reservation and fast lane of the dual carriageway.

Robert Simpson, 77, admitted driving carelessly while knowing he had defective eyesight.

Two cars crashed at high speed while trying to avoid the trailer on the A9 near Dalreoch in Perthshire.

Simpson had been driving in the dark, without any lights, at an average speed of about 10mph. Sentence was deferred.

'Badly shocked'

The pensioner, who is registered blind and lives in a nursing home at Auchterarder, got lost on his way home from a trip to Perth.

He thought he had missed his turn-off and pulled in to the central reservation, leaving the trailer parked across the outside lane of the busy trunk road.

Several motorists heading south between Perth and Stirling had to swerve to avoid the trailer and two cars collided at high speed.

Neither of the drivers, Charles Lawson and John Alexander were injured although both cars were badly damaged.

Despite being badly shocked, Mr Alexander managed to start the tractor and drive it to a safe place off the road.

The court was told that Mr Lawson was driving a Jaguar at about 60mph while overtaking in the outside lane.

[Mr Simpson] has been unable to make it in. He has travel difficulties John Buchan Solicitor

He suddenly became aware of the stationary trailer in the outside lane but managed to brake and miss it.

Mr Alexander also managed to narrowly avoid it but the cars collided.

They both came to rest in the central reservation with extensive damage.

Other vehicles had to take evasive action, not just to avoid the trailer, but also the vehicles which had collided.

Explaining why his client was not in court, solicitor John Buchan said: "He has been unable to make it in. He has travel difficulties.

"He is incapacitated. His eyesight is further deteriorating and he is registered blind.

"I would recommend that he be disqualified until such time as he passes a test of competency to drive. That would inevitably mean a life ban."

Sheriff David Clapham deferred sentence for Simpson to come to court personally.