A Black Watch soldier who ran down and seriously injured four colleagues has been spared a driving ban – so he can stay on the path to promotion.
Corporal Kristofer Smith ploughed into the troops as they marched outside the Fort George garrison near Inverness.
A court heard the low winter sun was a major factor in the accident
Privates Dean Tudor and Craig Smith and Sergeants Alan Bowe and Alan Murray all suffered serious injuries when they were hit by the 33-year-old corporal’s Volkswagen hatchback.
He was fined £600 and had his licence endorsed with five penalty points when he appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.
He was allowed to keep his licence after the sheriff heard not being able to drive could harm his chances of promotion.
The soldiers he ran down were among 30 military personnel marching in three columns on the Old Military Road, which links Fort George to Ardersier.
They were on the outside rank of the group and another car had passed them safely just moments before.
As Smith and other colleagues went to give the casualties first aid, he shouted: “What have I done? I didn’t see them.”
Sgt Bowe suffered the most serious injuries – a ruptured spleen and kidney, a broken right leg, three broken ribs and severe concussion.
Pte Tudor was knocked unconscious, and suffered cuts to his head and right knee, and also lost a tooth and spent two days in hospital.
Pte Smith injured his right leg and right hip and lost consciousness, while Sgt Murray’s head struck the windscreen, which left him permanently scarred and fractured his ribs.
Fiscal depute Ross Carvel told Sheriff David Sutherland: “The road surface was wet and there was a low winter sun.
“Smith had two passengers in his car and the group of soldiers had two ‘back markers’ wearing fluorescent panels on their backpacks warning approaching vehicles.
“Smith observed the back markers, who alerted the marching soldiers, and he pulled out to pass the group.
“But he failed to observe the four soldiers and collided with them.
“All the soldiers have fully recovered from their injuries and have returned to work.”
Smith’s counsel, advocate Shahid Latif, said his client admitted driving carelessly.
He added: “Events have weighed heavily on his shoulders and he is distraught at the injuries they sustained. He has apologised to them.
“After the collision he was in shock and said ‘what have I done? I didn’t see them’.
“It can be explained by the wet surface and the low winter sun.
“He is held in high regard by his superiors and is on a clear path to promotion. His licence is imperative to him.”
The sheriff told Smith: “It is clear this was made worse for you because it involved your colleagues.
“I take into account the wet road and low sun but we must always drive for the conditions that pertain.”
Smith declined to comment after the case.
