A Kinloch Rannoch man has been sentenced following the tragic accidental death of his aunt in 2022. Andrew Dewar-McCabe, 62, received a community sentence at Forfar Sheriff Court after being found guilty of causing the death of 69-year-old Jacqueline Gadd by careless driving.
The incident occurred in June 2022 near Bunrannoch House, Perthshire, when Ms. Gadd was struck by a Mitsubishi pick-up truck driven by Dewar-McCabe. The vehicle, laden with tools and hay bale wrapping materials, was reversing onto the C450 road at the time of the collision. Ms. Gadd became trapped beneath the truck and sustained fatal injuries. Tragic Accident Underscores Driving Safety
The court heard that Dewar-McCabe, a former equestrian instructor at Sandhurst, failed to ensure adequate visibility while reversing and did not have a guide assisting him during the maneuver. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safe driving practices, particularly when operating large vehicles in rural Perthshire areas like Kinloch Rannoch. Residents are urged to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws, especially in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that Ms. Gadd died from blunt force trauma resulting from the impact. Described by her son as a “loving, happy, positive and selfless lady,” her death has left a significant void in the lives of her family and the wider community. Community Remembers Jacqueline Gadd
Ms. Gadd, a much-loved mother and grandmother, is remembered fondly by locals in Kinloch Rannoch and surrounding areas. Community members have expressed their condolences and support for the family during this difficult time. The local church held a memorial service in her honor, showcasing the impact she had on those who knew her. The incident has prompted discussions within the community about improving road safety measures in the area around Bunrannoch House.
Dewar-McCabe’s defense attorney emphasized his client’s deep remorse and previous good driving record, portraying the event as a momentary lapse in judgment with devastating consequences. Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown acknowledged Dewar-McCabe’s remorse and military service, along with the fact that his driving fell short of dangerous driving, as he was reversing at low speed. She stated that this was a “tragic accident which led to the death of your aunt”, acknowledging the profound impact Ms. Gadd’s death has had on her family and on Dewar-McCabe himself, describing it as “the worst day of your life”.
The Sheriff imposed an 18-month driving ban on Dewar-McCabe, mandated 150 hours of unpaid work within the next year, and stipulated that he must pass an extended driving test before regaining his driving privileges. The Sheriff highlighted the Scottish Sentencing Council’s guidelines, which emphasize proportionate sentencing. She determined that a custodial sentence was not warranted in this case, opting instead for a community-based punishment.
This incident has deeply affected the Kinloch Rannoch community, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and adherence to road safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The local council is reviewing traffic management in the area, and residents have been encouraged to participate in upcoming community meetings to discuss potential improvements to road safety measures. This proactive approach reflects the community’s commitment to preventing future accidents and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to Kinloch Rannoch.
The incident occurred in June 2022 near Bunrannoch House, Perthshire, when Ms. Gadd was struck by a Mitsubishi pick-up truck driven by Dewar-McCabe. The vehicle, laden with tools and hay bale wrapping materials, was reversing onto the C450 road at the time of the collision. Ms. Gadd became trapped beneath the truck and sustained fatal injuries. Tragic Accident Underscores Driving Safety
The court heard that Dewar-McCabe, a former equestrian instructor at Sandhurst, failed to ensure adequate visibility while reversing and did not have a guide assisting him during the maneuver. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safe driving practices, particularly when operating large vehicles in rural Perthshire areas like Kinloch Rannoch. Residents are urged to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws, especially in areas with limited visibility or pedestrian activity.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that Ms. Gadd died from blunt force trauma resulting from the impact. Described by her son as a “loving, happy, positive and selfless lady,” her death has left a significant void in the lives of her family and the wider community. Community Remembers Jacqueline Gadd
Ms. Gadd, a much-loved mother and grandmother, is remembered fondly by locals in Kinloch Rannoch and surrounding areas. Community members have expressed their condolences and support for the family during this difficult time. The local church held a memorial service in her honor, showcasing the impact she had on those who knew her. The incident has prompted discussions within the community about improving road safety measures in the area around Bunrannoch House.
Dewar-McCabe’s defense attorney emphasized his client’s deep remorse and previous good driving record, portraying the event as a momentary lapse in judgment with devastating consequences. Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown acknowledged Dewar-McCabe’s remorse and military service, along with the fact that his driving fell short of dangerous driving, as he was reversing at low speed. She stated that this was a “tragic accident which led to the death of your aunt”, acknowledging the profound impact Ms. Gadd’s death has had on her family and on Dewar-McCabe himself, describing it as “the worst day of your life”.
The Sheriff imposed an 18-month driving ban on Dewar-McCabe, mandated 150 hours of unpaid work within the next year, and stipulated that he must pass an extended driving test before regaining his driving privileges. The Sheriff highlighted the Scottish Sentencing Council’s guidelines, which emphasize proportionate sentencing. She determined that a custodial sentence was not warranted in this case, opting instead for a community-based punishment.
This incident has deeply affected the Kinloch Rannoch community, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and adherence to road safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The local council is reviewing traffic management in the area, and residents have been encouraged to participate in upcoming community meetings to discuss potential improvements to road safety measures. This proactive approach reflects the community’s commitment to preventing future accidents and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to Kinloch Rannoch.