Teenager who was nearly killed in crash is banned from road

Man drove at ‘excessive speed’ before collision with bin lorry

A teenage driver left with life-changing injuries after a collision with a bin lorry has been banned for eight months and ordered to perform 80 hours of unpaid work.

Dylan MacKay, 19, of Knowehead Crescent, Kirriemuir, was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on February 25, having suffered two broken legs, brain damage, liver laceration and a punctured lung at the Friockheim junction between Arbroath and Brechin.

Two other passengers emerged from the crash with less serious injuries.

MacKay previously admitted careless driving on the road between the A933 Arbroath to Brechin road and the A932 Friockheim to Forfar Road.

He admitted driving at excessive speed for the road and conditions, driving close to preceding vehicles and losing control of his vehicle, causing it to strike a grass verge and collide with an oncoming lorry, leaving both vehicles damaged, seriously injuring himself and injuring two passengers within his vehicle. He further admitted driving without insurance.

Depute fiscal Stewart Duncan told Forfar Sheriff Court that witnesses alleged MacKay was driving “quite close” to other vehicles before he overtook two cars and continued at “excessive speed”.

The bin lorry driver stated MacKay lost control of his vehicle, which hit the grass verge before skidding towards him. The witness tried to brake but the car spun several times before striking the lorry.

Mr Duncan said MacKay was unconscious in the driver’s seat.

Police were called along with the fire brigade as MacKay was trapped in the vehicle. He was taken to Ninewells Hospital.

Defence agent Nick Whelan said: “He knows more than others about the dangers of this type of driving.

“He has suffered life-changing injuries as a consequence of this type of driving. He recognises it was a bad piece of driving and disqualification is likely.”

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown said: “I take into account what has been said on your behalf.

“I take into account this was your first offence but it was a very serious offence which almost cost you your life.”

I take into account this was your first offence butitwasa very serious offence which almost cost you your life. SHERIFF JILLIAN MARTIN-BROWN