Drink driver caused baby's death

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A drink driver has admitted causing the death of a seven-month-old girl in a car crash in the Scottish Borders.

Ella Grace Leith was killed in the accident on the A697 Coldstream to Greenlaw road on 6 November last year.

James Brown, 31, of Birgham, Coldstream, admitted causing her death by driving carelessly while exceeding the blood alcohol limit.

Judge Lord Uist deferred sentence for background and psychiatric reports and continued his bail.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the baby suffered a "devastating" head injury in the collision while strapped into her child seat in the rear of a car being driven by Brown.

He survived the crash along with his girlfriend Emma Tibbits - who was the victim's mother - and her son Jack.

What is very clear in this case is that he feels overwhelming guilt and remorse that Ella died as a result of his actions Susan DuffDefence counsel

The unemployed panel beater told police he had been drinking heavily the night before the collision.

Brown said he must have gone over to the other side of the road and lost concentration because he was searching for cigarettes or a mobile phone.

His blood alcohol count was 161 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood - the limit is 80 milligrammes.

The court was told Brown tried to kill himself a month after the crash and had to be rescued from a river.

Advocate depute, Alex Prentice QC, said Brown had been in a relationship with Ms Tibbits since July last year after she split up with Ella's father Richard Leith.

However, she continued to live with Mr Leith and the children at East High Street in Greenlaw.

Baby Ella Grace Leith was killed in the accident last year

The court heard that since starting the relationship, Ms Tibbits would usually put the children to bed in the family home before spending the night with Brown at his house.

On the day of the fatal crash Brown was driving her Vauxhall Astra with Ms Tibbits in the front passenger seat and the children in the back.

"The position appears to be the vehicle driven by the accused failed to fully negotiate a right hand bend in the road and crossed over the centre line," said Mr Prentice.

As a result it collided with a horse transporter going in the opposite direction, spun around and narrowly missed another vehicle before hitting a Mercedes Sprinter lorry.

The driver, Ms Tibbits and four-year-old Jack survived but the baby was declared dead at the scene.

The court heard that Brown had told police he was an alcoholic and was seeking professional help.

'Tragic case'

Defence counsel, Susan Duff, said he had twice attempted suicide and had received in-patient psychiatric treatment.

"Clearly this is a tragic case for all concerned," she said.

"What is very clear in this case is that he feels overwhelming guilt and remorse that Ella died as a result of his actions."

Lord Uist said Brown must have had a "huge amount" to drink the night before if he was still at twice the drink-driving limit at 6pm the following day.

He then deferred sentence until next month for reports.