A Kinross-shire road has seen a former professional footballer banned from driving after causing a crash that left a motorcyclist with serious injuries. Paul McQuade, who previously played striker for St Mirren and Cowdenbeath, was found guilty of careless driving following a trial at Perth Sheriff Court. He received an 18-month driving ban and a £900 fine.
The incident occurred on the B996 near Kinross, where McQuade, now working as a civil engineer, was driving an Audi A6. He had been transporting a teenager home after football practice when the collision happened. According to court testimony, McQuade pulled out from a junction into the path of 20-year-old motorcyclist Archie Collyer, misjudging the distance between his vehicle and the approaching Yamaha 125. Devastating Injuries and a Long Recovery
The impact of the collision resulted in severe injuries for Mr. Collyer, including fractures to his pelvis, leg, and arm. These injuries necessitated surgical intervention and the insertion of metal plates to aid in his recovery. The young motorcyclist’s life was significantly disrupted, requiring an eight-day hospital stay before he even regained consciousness, highlighting the severity of the incident. Conflicting Accounts of the Collision
During the trial, McQuade testified that he believed he had adequately assessed the situation before pulling out onto the B996. He claimed he had observed Mr. Collyer’s motorcycle approaching on the straight road, estimating the distance at around 400 yards. Despite this assessment, the collision occurred. Mr. Collyer himself stated that he had activated his high beam and attempted to swerve to avoid McQuade’s vehicle, but unfortunately, the impact was unavoidable. The biker detailed the harrowing moments before impact, recalling his instinct to shield his face to protect his neck. He has a long road to recovery ahead of him, facing extensive rehabilitation to regain full mobility.
The incident raises concerns about road safety, particularly on rural routes like the B996, and serves as a reminder of the importance of careful observation and cautious driving at junctions. The sentencing emphasizes the serious consequences that can result from even momentary lapses in concentration while behind the wheel. This case will undoubtedly resonate with the Perth and Kinross community, urging greater vigilance on local roads. For residents familiar with the B996, known for its long stretches and potentially challenging visibility, especially in darker conditions, the details of the crash are likely to hit particularly close to home.
The outcome of the trial reflects the Sheriff’s view that McQuade’s actions constituted a significant misjudgment with lasting consequences for the victim. The driving ban imposed on McQuade not only penalizes him directly but also impacts his ability to support others, as noted by his solicitor, David Holmes. The former footballer’s history in local clubs like St Mirren, Forfar, East Fife, and various East of Scotland League teams brings a local dimension to the story, adding to its impact within the Perth and Kinross community.
The incident occurred on the B996 near Kinross, where McQuade, now working as a civil engineer, was driving an Audi A6. He had been transporting a teenager home after football practice when the collision happened. According to court testimony, McQuade pulled out from a junction into the path of 20-year-old motorcyclist Archie Collyer, misjudging the distance between his vehicle and the approaching Yamaha 125. Devastating Injuries and a Long Recovery
The impact of the collision resulted in severe injuries for Mr. Collyer, including fractures to his pelvis, leg, and arm. These injuries necessitated surgical intervention and the insertion of metal plates to aid in his recovery. The young motorcyclist’s life was significantly disrupted, requiring an eight-day hospital stay before he even regained consciousness, highlighting the severity of the incident. Conflicting Accounts of the Collision
During the trial, McQuade testified that he believed he had adequately assessed the situation before pulling out onto the B996. He claimed he had observed Mr. Collyer’s motorcycle approaching on the straight road, estimating the distance at around 400 yards. Despite this assessment, the collision occurred. Mr. Collyer himself stated that he had activated his high beam and attempted to swerve to avoid McQuade’s vehicle, but unfortunately, the impact was unavoidable. The biker detailed the harrowing moments before impact, recalling his instinct to shield his face to protect his neck. He has a long road to recovery ahead of him, facing extensive rehabilitation to regain full mobility.
The incident raises concerns about road safety, particularly on rural routes like the B996, and serves as a reminder of the importance of careful observation and cautious driving at junctions. The sentencing emphasizes the serious consequences that can result from even momentary lapses in concentration while behind the wheel. This case will undoubtedly resonate with the Perth and Kinross community, urging greater vigilance on local roads. For residents familiar with the B996, known for its long stretches and potentially challenging visibility, especially in darker conditions, the details of the crash are likely to hit particularly close to home.
The outcome of the trial reflects the Sheriff’s view that McQuade’s actions constituted a significant misjudgment with lasting consequences for the victim. The driving ban imposed on McQuade not only penalizes him directly but also impacts his ability to support others, as noted by his solicitor, David Holmes. The former footballer’s history in local clubs like St Mirren, Forfar, East Fife, and various East of Scotland League teams brings a local dimension to the story, adding to its impact within the Perth and Kinross community.