A Moray teenager has been charged with causing the car accident that killed a Buckie High School pupil.
Owen Petrie appeared in private at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday, accused of causing death by dangerous driving.
The 18-year-old, whose address was given as Moray, faces a further charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Thousands raised to help families stricken by Moray horror crash
Petrie made no plea during his appearance in the dock and was released on bail.
Buckpool-based 14-year-old Neringa Narusyte, who moved to Moray from Lithuania 12 years ago, was killed in the accident on the B9016 Buckie to Keith road in October last year.
The Vauxhall Corsa, which was carrying the animal-loving teenager, collided with a 4×4 on the country road near Rye Riggs at Aultmore.
Her school friend, Nyah Mckay, had to be airlifted to hospital in Glasgow after being critically injured in the crash, which happened late in the evening.
Three other teenagers – a 16-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl and the 17-year-old male driver of the car – were also hurt.
The 42-year-old driver of the Nissan Terrano, which was also involved in the accident, suffered minor injuries.
The community rallied to the support of the affected families and pledged more than £6,000 to support them.
At the time, Neringa’s mother, Ilona Narusiene, explained she had been “overwhelmed” by the reaction from locals.
She said: “People have been stopping me in the street to say how sorry they are. When I was in Elgin, one woman who I didn’t know just came up to me and gave me money”.
A special assembly was held at Buckie High School following the death of Neringa to inform pupils. A support centre was set up by guidance teachers to comfort students and staff.
No date has been set for Petrie’s next court appearance.
