A former child protection solicitor has once again found herself subject to a driving disqualification following a regrettable incident in the picturesque Perthshire village of Comrie. Suzanne Blair, aged 59, was involved in a collision that resulted in a local dog walker sustaining significant hand injuries, an outcome described in court as a consequence of Blair’s careless driving.
The incident, which occurred last autumn, saw Blair reversing her vehicle out of a riverside lane in Comrie when she struck 64-year-old Christine Campbell. The impact caused Ms. Campbell to suffer a broken pinky finger and a crushed fourth finger, injuries deemed serious by medical professionals. Blair, who reportedly believed she had collided with a dog, swiftly exited her car to render aid upon realising the gravity of the situation.
During proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, Blair formally admitted to a charge of causing serious injury by driving carelessly on Ancaster Lane in Comrie. The court heard that her failure to maintain a proper lookout while reversing led directly to the unfortunate encounter with Ms. Campbell. Details Emerge from Perth Sheriff Court
Fiscal depute Elaine Sym recounted the events of that Sunday afternoon, noting that the collision took place around 4pm on a lane popular for accessing the River Earn. Ms. Campbell, who was out walking her dog, observed Blair’s car reversing quickly from a cottage. The vehicle then knocked her to the ground, pulling her underneath before coming to a stop a short distance from the main road. The immediate aftermath saw Blair expressing repeated apologies, stating she ‘didn’t see’ the pedestrian.
It was revealed that Ms. Campbell, experiencing pain and shock, initially did not report the incident to the authorities. However, two days later, she sought medical attention, where her injuries were confirmed. The matter was eventually brought to the attention of the police upon her return from a month-long holiday. This delay underscores the shock and disorientation experienced by the victim in the immediate aftermath of the event.
Kirsty Watson, representing Ms. Blair, presented the defence’s arguments, acknowledging her client’s failure to exercise due care. Ms. Watson highlighted the challenging nature of the lane, which necessitated reversing out, and indicated that Blair’s vehicle was moving at a low speed, estimated between two to five miles per hour. The solicitor reiterated Blair’s initial belief that she had struck an animal, leading to her prompt response to assist Ms. Campbell. The court also heard about Blair’s professional background as a child protection solicitor for many years, a career she eventually had to abandon, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. This personal struggle, while not excusing her actions, provided some context to her current circumstances. Community Impact and Legal Consequences
This incident is particularly poignant for the close-knit community of Comrie, where riverside lanes like Ancaster Lane are cherished for their access to natural beauty and are frequently used by walkers, dog owners, and families. The safety of these shared spaces is paramount, and an incident of this nature serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required from all road users, especially in areas where pedestrian and vehicular traffic converge.
The sentencing of Suzanne Blair at Perth Sheriff Court adds to a growing number of cases highlighting the severe consequences of careless driving in the region. Sheriff Nigel Cooke, in delivering his judgment, acknowledged the serious nature of the injuries sustained by the victim. He imposed a fine of £715 and an additional year-long driving ban. This new disqualification comes on top of a prior 16-month driving ban Blair received in May of the same year for separate offences, indicating a pattern of driving irregularities that the courts are addressing with increasing stringency. The Sheriff opted against community-based penalties like unpaid work, noting that such an imposition would not be appropriate given Blair’s existing social work supervision and personal circumstances.
The outcome of this case serves as a critical reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle, particularly in shared public spaces within Perth and Kinross. The incident in Comrie underscores the lasting physical and emotional impact that even low-speed careless driving can have on individuals and the broader community, reinforcing the need for constant awareness and adherence to road safety regulations to prevent such preventable tragedies from recurring.
The incident, which occurred last autumn, saw Blair reversing her vehicle out of a riverside lane in Comrie when she struck 64-year-old Christine Campbell. The impact caused Ms. Campbell to suffer a broken pinky finger and a crushed fourth finger, injuries deemed serious by medical professionals. Blair, who reportedly believed she had collided with a dog, swiftly exited her car to render aid upon realising the gravity of the situation.
During proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, Blair formally admitted to a charge of causing serious injury by driving carelessly on Ancaster Lane in Comrie. The court heard that her failure to maintain a proper lookout while reversing led directly to the unfortunate encounter with Ms. Campbell. Details Emerge from Perth Sheriff Court
Fiscal depute Elaine Sym recounted the events of that Sunday afternoon, noting that the collision took place around 4pm on a lane popular for accessing the River Earn. Ms. Campbell, who was out walking her dog, observed Blair’s car reversing quickly from a cottage. The vehicle then knocked her to the ground, pulling her underneath before coming to a stop a short distance from the main road. The immediate aftermath saw Blair expressing repeated apologies, stating she ‘didn’t see’ the pedestrian.
It was revealed that Ms. Campbell, experiencing pain and shock, initially did not report the incident to the authorities. However, two days later, she sought medical attention, where her injuries were confirmed. The matter was eventually brought to the attention of the police upon her return from a month-long holiday. This delay underscores the shock and disorientation experienced by the victim in the immediate aftermath of the event.
Kirsty Watson, representing Ms. Blair, presented the defence’s arguments, acknowledging her client’s failure to exercise due care. Ms. Watson highlighted the challenging nature of the lane, which necessitated reversing out, and indicated that Blair’s vehicle was moving at a low speed, estimated between two to five miles per hour. The solicitor reiterated Blair’s initial belief that she had struck an animal, leading to her prompt response to assist Ms. Campbell. The court also heard about Blair’s professional background as a child protection solicitor for many years, a career she eventually had to abandon, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. This personal struggle, while not excusing her actions, provided some context to her current circumstances. Community Impact and Legal Consequences
This incident is particularly poignant for the close-knit community of Comrie, where riverside lanes like Ancaster Lane are cherished for their access to natural beauty and are frequently used by walkers, dog owners, and families. The safety of these shared spaces is paramount, and an incident of this nature serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required from all road users, especially in areas where pedestrian and vehicular traffic converge.
The sentencing of Suzanne Blair at Perth Sheriff Court adds to a growing number of cases highlighting the severe consequences of careless driving in the region. Sheriff Nigel Cooke, in delivering his judgment, acknowledged the serious nature of the injuries sustained by the victim. He imposed a fine of £715 and an additional year-long driving ban. This new disqualification comes on top of a prior 16-month driving ban Blair received in May of the same year for separate offences, indicating a pattern of driving irregularities that the courts are addressing with increasing stringency. The Sheriff opted against community-based penalties like unpaid work, noting that such an imposition would not be appropriate given Blair’s existing social work supervision and personal circumstances.
The outcome of this case serves as a critical reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle, particularly in shared public spaces within Perth and Kinross. The incident in Comrie underscores the lasting physical and emotional impact that even low-speed careless driving can have on individuals and the broader community, reinforcing the need for constant awareness and adherence to road safety regulations to prevent such preventable tragedies from recurring.