A devastating collision on the A9 near Perth in August 2021 has resulted in a guilty verdict for lorry driver Justin Bower. The incident, which occurred at the Cairnie Braes, tragically claimed the lives of four horses and left Bower’s co-driver with severe injuries. The trial, held at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, concluded with Bower being found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court heard how Bower’s 7.5-tonne Mercedes lorry collided with the rear of a horse transporter that had broken down at the top of the notorious Cairnie Braes. The impact resulted in the death of four horses, including Party Trick, a nine-year-old stallion reportedly valued at over £1 million. Owner Nicholas Gauntlett, who was traveling with the horses to the Blair Horse Trials at the time of the accident, delivered an emotional testimony, describing the harrowing experience of witnessing the crash and the loss of his prized animal. He recounted climbing into the wreckage of the horsebox after the collision, only to watch Party Trick die. A Scene of Devastation
Witnesses painted a grim picture of the accident scene. The horse transporter, partly obstructing the inside lane due to its breakdown, was struck with significant force. The impact sent the transporter careening along the road before it toppled onto its side. John Robertson, a motorist who was driving behind Bower’s lorry, described seeing the horse transporter being shunted forward by the force of the collision. He also recalled the distressing sight of Bower’s co-driver, Ashley Vandervis, trapped in the cab with his feet pressed against the back of the horsebox. Conflicting Accounts and Lasting Impacts
During the trial, Amanda Gauntlett, wife of Nicholas, testified that she had observed Bower seemingly distracted just moments before the crash. She claimed to have seen him leaning over, forearms resting on the steering wheel, appearing to be looking at a phone or similar device. She attempted to signal to Bower, but he did not respond. Bower vehemently denied using his phone while driving, and his assertion was supported by the lack of corroborating eyewitness accounts. Bower himself claimed he was momentarily distracted by a car attempting to overtake him in the adjacent lane, and that he had mistakenly perceived the stationary horsebox as a slow-moving vehicle.
The collision had devastating consequences for Mr. Vandervis, who sustained significant injuries, including a head laceration, two fractured vertebrae, four broken ribs, a broken left wrist, a compound fracture of his left ankle, and fractures to both his right leg and ankle. He spent a week in Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital and told the court he had no memory of the day of the crash, with his first memory being a week later in hospital. He continues to suffer physical pain and psychological distress as a result of the trauma.
Following the guilty verdict, Sheriff Robert More informed Bower that a custodial sentence was not only possible but highly likely. Sentencing is scheduled for May 1st, pending the completion of a background report. In the meantime, Bower has been disqualified from driving and his bail has been continued. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly on challenging stretches of road like the A9.
This incident has brought renewed focus on road safety within the Perth and Kinross community, prompting discussions about driver awareness and the need for enhanced signage in areas prone to breakdowns, especially on major routes like the A9. Local groups are advocating for increased police presence and improved breakdown recovery services to minimize the risks associated with vehicle breakdowns on busy roads.
The court heard how Bower’s 7.5-tonne Mercedes lorry collided with the rear of a horse transporter that had broken down at the top of the notorious Cairnie Braes. The impact resulted in the death of four horses, including Party Trick, a nine-year-old stallion reportedly valued at over £1 million. Owner Nicholas Gauntlett, who was traveling with the horses to the Blair Horse Trials at the time of the accident, delivered an emotional testimony, describing the harrowing experience of witnessing the crash and the loss of his prized animal. He recounted climbing into the wreckage of the horsebox after the collision, only to watch Party Trick die. A Scene of Devastation
Witnesses painted a grim picture of the accident scene. The horse transporter, partly obstructing the inside lane due to its breakdown, was struck with significant force. The impact sent the transporter careening along the road before it toppled onto its side. John Robertson, a motorist who was driving behind Bower’s lorry, described seeing the horse transporter being shunted forward by the force of the collision. He also recalled the distressing sight of Bower’s co-driver, Ashley Vandervis, trapped in the cab with his feet pressed against the back of the horsebox. Conflicting Accounts and Lasting Impacts
During the trial, Amanda Gauntlett, wife of Nicholas, testified that she had observed Bower seemingly distracted just moments before the crash. She claimed to have seen him leaning over, forearms resting on the steering wheel, appearing to be looking at a phone or similar device. She attempted to signal to Bower, but he did not respond. Bower vehemently denied using his phone while driving, and his assertion was supported by the lack of corroborating eyewitness accounts. Bower himself claimed he was momentarily distracted by a car attempting to overtake him in the adjacent lane, and that he had mistakenly perceived the stationary horsebox as a slow-moving vehicle.
The collision had devastating consequences for Mr. Vandervis, who sustained significant injuries, including a head laceration, two fractured vertebrae, four broken ribs, a broken left wrist, a compound fracture of his left ankle, and fractures to both his right leg and ankle. He spent a week in Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital and told the court he had no memory of the day of the crash, with his first memory being a week later in hospital. He continues to suffer physical pain and psychological distress as a result of the trauma.
Following the guilty verdict, Sheriff Robert More informed Bower that a custodial sentence was not only possible but highly likely. Sentencing is scheduled for May 1st, pending the completion of a background report. In the meantime, Bower has been disqualified from driving and his bail has been continued. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly on challenging stretches of road like the A9.
This incident has brought renewed focus on road safety within the Perth and Kinross community, prompting discussions about driver awareness and the need for enhanced signage in areas prone to breakdowns, especially on major routes like the A9. Local groups are advocating for increased police presence and improved breakdown recovery services to minimize the risks associated with vehicle breakdowns on busy roads.