A Methven man has been found guilty of careless driving after a collision at Perth Airport left a factory worker with serious injuries requiring reconstructive surgery. The incident occurred on the morning of October 3, 2022, as the 61-year-old victim walked to his job at a coffin factory near the airport.
The court heard how the victim, who had just disembarked from a bus on the A94, was crossing Spitfire Avenue when he was struck by the silver Renault Trafic van driven by 37-year-old Paul Wishart. The impact of the collision caused the pedestrian to be thrown through the air, his head striking the van’s windscreen before he landed on the road. Serious Injuries and Lasting Impact
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 7am, where they found the victim with multiple injuries. He was quickly transported to Ninewells Hospital for treatment. The collision caused significant disruption to morning commuters, as Spitfire Avenue, a vital route for those traveling to and from the airport and surrounding businesses, was closed for approximately an hour while investigators documented the scene and cleared the debris. Among the victim’s injuries were broken ribs, a severe laceration to his face and a fractured knee, requiring a plate to be surgically inserted by an orthopedic surgeon. The facial injury necessitated reconstructive surgery by a plastic surgeon to clean, seal, and close the wound. He also suffered a dislocated finger.
The victim was discharged from the hospital after five days but the court heard that the injuries sustained have resulted in permanent impairment. Trial and Verdict
Wishart, of Sauchob Crescent, Methven, initially pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Over the course of the two-day trial, witnesses described the dramatic events that unfolded on Spitfire Avenue. Some recalled hearing the van’s engine revving before seeing the victim “flying across the road” after impact.
Despite his initial plea, the jury found Wishart guilty of the lesser charge of careless driving. This verdict suggests that while his actions were not deemed dangerous enough to meet the criteria for the more serious charge, they were still negligent and contributed to the accident’s occurrence. The Procurator Fiscal highlighted the fact that the man was walking to work when he was hit as he pointed to Wishart’s lapse of judgement. They stressed, “It is not suggested that Mr Wishart intended to hurt anyone. But as a driver, you need to drive safely.” Sentencing and Community Concerns
The sentencing of Paul Wishart has been scheduled for later this summer. The case has brought road safety at and around Perth Airport to the forefront. Local residents have expressed their concerns and are hoping that this incident will serve as a reminder to all drivers to be extra vigilant, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
The court heard how the victim, who had just disembarked from a bus on the A94, was crossing Spitfire Avenue when he was struck by the silver Renault Trafic van driven by 37-year-old Paul Wishart. The impact of the collision caused the pedestrian to be thrown through the air, his head striking the van’s windscreen before he landed on the road. Serious Injuries and Lasting Impact
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 7am, where they found the victim with multiple injuries. He was quickly transported to Ninewells Hospital for treatment. The collision caused significant disruption to morning commuters, as Spitfire Avenue, a vital route for those traveling to and from the airport and surrounding businesses, was closed for approximately an hour while investigators documented the scene and cleared the debris. Among the victim’s injuries were broken ribs, a severe laceration to his face and a fractured knee, requiring a plate to be surgically inserted by an orthopedic surgeon. The facial injury necessitated reconstructive surgery by a plastic surgeon to clean, seal, and close the wound. He also suffered a dislocated finger.
The victim was discharged from the hospital after five days but the court heard that the injuries sustained have resulted in permanent impairment. Trial and Verdict
Wishart, of Sauchob Crescent, Methven, initially pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Over the course of the two-day trial, witnesses described the dramatic events that unfolded on Spitfire Avenue. Some recalled hearing the van’s engine revving before seeing the victim “flying across the road” after impact.
Despite his initial plea, the jury found Wishart guilty of the lesser charge of careless driving. This verdict suggests that while his actions were not deemed dangerous enough to meet the criteria for the more serious charge, they were still negligent and contributed to the accident’s occurrence. The Procurator Fiscal highlighted the fact that the man was walking to work when he was hit as he pointed to Wishart’s lapse of judgement. They stressed, “It is not suggested that Mr Wishart intended to hurt anyone. But as a driver, you need to drive safely.” Sentencing and Community Concerns
The sentencing of Paul Wishart has been scheduled for later this summer. The case has brought road safety at and around Perth Airport to the forefront. Local residents have expressed their concerns and are hoping that this incident will serve as a reminder to all drivers to be extra vigilant, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.