A recent court hearing in Glasgow has brought to light the tragic consequences of careless driving on a rural Perthshire road, leading to the death of a holidaymaker. David Cooper, a 31-year-old van driver, has admitted his responsibility in the fatal collision that occurred on the A93 between Blairgowrie and Perth.
The incident took place on the morning of September 13, 2023, when Cooper’s vehicle failed to stop at a critical junction near the picturesque village of Meikleour. His Ford Transit van collided with a Mercedes car, driven by retired pharmacist Stephen Painter, who was on holiday with his wife, Louise. The impact was severe enough to cause the car to overturn, landing on its roof.
Mr. Painter, a 69-year-old from Oxfordshire, and his wife were returning home after enjoying a relaxing break in Scotland. The couple had been looking forward to celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary just three days after the accident. Sadly, despite immediate and valiant efforts by witnesses, including Cooper himself, to free the trapped couple by smashing the sunroof, Mr. Painter sustained fatal chest injuries and passed away.
During the High Court proceedings, prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including footage from Cooper’s own dashcam. This footage clearly showed his van approaching the junction without slowing or adhering to the prominent stop sign. The prosecution, led by Lindsey Dalziel, asserted that the collision was a direct result of Cooper’s failure to observe and react to the warning signs at the crossroads, ultimately driving his van into the path of the Mercedes.
The powerful impact not only struck Mr. Painter’s car, which was also towing their caravan, but also involved a nearby tractor trailer. Mrs. Painter, deeply shaken by the ordeal, recounted seeing the van “flying towards them” and instantly knowing that a collision was inevitable. Another motorist at the scene described the force of the impact on the Mercedes as “great.” Profound Remorse Expressed
Cooper, originally from Blyth, Northumberland, initially faced a more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. However, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. His legal representative, Euan Dow, conveyed Cooper’s deep remorse for the “catastrophic consequences of his driving” and the immeasurable loss suffered by the Painter family. Cooper’s bail has been continued, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in Edinburgh on December 4, with an interim driving ban now in effect.
The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety, particularly on Perthshire’s rural routes, which often present unique challenges for drivers unfamiliar with the area or those not paying full attention. The A93, connecting Blairgowrie to Perth, is a well-used route, and incidents like this underscore the need for constant vigilance at all junctions and intersections. Family’s Enduring Grief
In a poignant statement released through their solicitors, Digby Brown, the family of Stephen Painter spoke of their profound and irreplaceable loss. “While today’s guilty plea will help us close this devastating chapter we will never be able to find the words to describe our loss,” they stated.
They continued, “Stephen was more than a husband, son, brother, father and grandfather – he was a life partner and adored by his children, grandchildren, mother and siblings. Every day there are moments we wish we could share with him but we have been robbed of creating years of memories with him. Life will never be the same again.”
This heartbreaking case reverberates through the Perth and Kinross community, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of every driver on local roads. The outcome of the sentencing in December will be keenly watched, as the community seeks to understand how justice will be served in the face of such immense loss.
The incident took place on the morning of September 13, 2023, when Cooper’s vehicle failed to stop at a critical junction near the picturesque village of Meikleour. His Ford Transit van collided with a Mercedes car, driven by retired pharmacist Stephen Painter, who was on holiday with his wife, Louise. The impact was severe enough to cause the car to overturn, landing on its roof.
Mr. Painter, a 69-year-old from Oxfordshire, and his wife were returning home after enjoying a relaxing break in Scotland. The couple had been looking forward to celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary just three days after the accident. Sadly, despite immediate and valiant efforts by witnesses, including Cooper himself, to free the trapped couple by smashing the sunroof, Mr. Painter sustained fatal chest injuries and passed away.
During the High Court proceedings, prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including footage from Cooper’s own dashcam. This footage clearly showed his van approaching the junction without slowing or adhering to the prominent stop sign. The prosecution, led by Lindsey Dalziel, asserted that the collision was a direct result of Cooper’s failure to observe and react to the warning signs at the crossroads, ultimately driving his van into the path of the Mercedes.
The powerful impact not only struck Mr. Painter’s car, which was also towing their caravan, but also involved a nearby tractor trailer. Mrs. Painter, deeply shaken by the ordeal, recounted seeing the van “flying towards them” and instantly knowing that a collision was inevitable. Another motorist at the scene described the force of the impact on the Mercedes as “great.” Profound Remorse Expressed
Cooper, originally from Blyth, Northumberland, initially faced a more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. However, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. His legal representative, Euan Dow, conveyed Cooper’s deep remorse for the “catastrophic consequences of his driving” and the immeasurable loss suffered by the Painter family. Cooper’s bail has been continued, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in Edinburgh on December 4, with an interim driving ban now in effect.
The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety, particularly on Perthshire’s rural routes, which often present unique challenges for drivers unfamiliar with the area or those not paying full attention. The A93, connecting Blairgowrie to Perth, is a well-used route, and incidents like this underscore the need for constant vigilance at all junctions and intersections. Family’s Enduring Grief
In a poignant statement released through their solicitors, Digby Brown, the family of Stephen Painter spoke of their profound and irreplaceable loss. “While today’s guilty plea will help us close this devastating chapter we will never be able to find the words to describe our loss,” they stated.
They continued, “Stephen was more than a husband, son, brother, father and grandfather – he was a life partner and adored by his children, grandchildren, mother and siblings. Every day there are moments we wish we could share with him but we have been robbed of creating years of memories with him. Life will never be the same again.”
This heartbreaking case reverberates through the Perth and Kinross community, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of every driver on local roads. The outcome of the sentencing in December will be keenly watched, as the community seeks to understand how justice will be served in the face of such immense loss.