Teen caused man's death by driving on wrong side of road days before Christmas

A teenage driver caused the death of a 57-year-old man by driving on the wrong side of a major A-road a few days before Christmas 2023.

Calum Anderson, 19, was still 17 when he caused the fatal collision near Forest Mill Layby on the A977 between Gartarry Roundabout, Alloa, and Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, on December 20, 2023.

He admitted driving his Peugeot van onto the opposing carriageway, where he collided with a Land Rover Freelander being driven by the victim, George Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell was so severely injured that he died at the scene.

At Stirling Sheriff Court, Anderson, of Motherwell, pleaded guilty to causing Mr Mitchell’s death by careless driving.

Sentencing was deferred until June 17 for background reports and an assessment of Anderson’s suitability for a restriction of liberty order.

Sheriff Christopher Shead warned him: “This is a very serious case.”

The sheriff imposed an immediate driving ban – the length of which will be determined later.

Barry Smith KC, defending, reserved mitigation until the sentencing hearing, when the Crown will outline the facts of the incident.

Mr Smith said: “Mr Anderson is keen on this first opportunity to formally and publicly record his sincere remorse that this accident caused such tragic consequences and also to offer his condolences, and those of his family, to the family of Mr Mitchell, some of whom are present in court.”