A student accused of causing the death of a pensioner by driving dangerously in Aberdeen has had the charge against her reduced.
Rachel Forsyth’s black Vauxhall Corsa careered into Lillian Morrison on the city’s Queens Road as she was crossing at an inactive pedestrian crossing on December 27, 2012.
As a result of the crash, which caused Mrs Morrison to “fly through the air”, the 79-year-old died after sustaining major head, neck and chest injuries.
It was alleged Forsyth caused the death of Mrs Morrison by driving dangerously by failing to pay attention as she drove down the busy city road just two days after Christmas.
It was also alleged Forsyth, of 5 Hilltop Crescent Westhill, was using a mobile phone when her vehicle ploughed into the OAP.
However, this morning advocate depute Bruce Erroch moved to amend the indictment and deleted all reference to the student being on her mobile phone at the time.
He also reduced the charge to causing the death by careless driving.
Prosecutors claim Forsyth did not notice Mrs Morrison as she used an out-of-order pedestrian crossing close to the junction with Groats Road, even though she was “plainly visible”.
Forsyth denies the charge against her.
The trial, before Lord Turnbull, continues today.
