Mistake delays fatal crash trial

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8055450.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The trial of a young driver accused of being involved in a high speed race which left three teenagers dead has been delayed because of a police error.

Driver Sam Crouchley, 18, died on the A95 Keith to Banff road alongside his 15-year-old passengers Rebecca Dick and Amy Jaffray in 2006.

Callum Wood, 21, denies dangerous driving, at Elgin Sheriff Court.

A collision investigator admitted on Monday a wrong speed and distance calculation. The trial was adjourned.

It is claimed Mr Wood was driving too close to Mr Crouchley's car at speed.

I have to hold up my hands and apologise. It was human error Sgt Harry GordonWitness

The car exploded "like a bomb" after an alleged race ended in the crash, the trial earlier heard.

Mr Crouchley, of Deskford, Ms Dick, from Burghead, and Ms Jaffray, from New Elgin, were killed.

Collision investigator Sgt Harry Gordon admitted on the third day of the trial that police had made a mistake.

Defence solicitor David Moggach asked: "I suggested to you that your calculations regarding the time and gap between the Seat Ibiza and Ford Focus were miscalculated?"

Expert advice

Sgt Gordon said: "My formula is wrong having looked at my notes regarding my training I was given at the time I was at university."

Asked why he got the wrong calculations, he replied: "I have to hold up my hands and apologise. It was human error."

Mr Moggach then asked him: "This is hugely important isn't it?"

He replied: "Yes, I would say it is."

Mr Moggach called on the sheriff to adjourn the trial so he could seek expert advice.

The case was adjourned until July.