Sleepy driver awaits sentence after hitting couple on motorbike

Posted: April 14, 2015

Posted in: Arm Injury Car Accidents Head and Brain Injuries Motorcycle Accidents Road Traffic Accidents 

Having been found guilty of dangerous driving, Bridge of Allan resident, Christopher Thornton, 36, is awaiting sentencing by Inverness Sheriff Court. Thornton had sent a text message to his partner before leaving Elgin on 23 August 2013 stating that he was “Just leaving Elgin, hopeful of staying awake” and attaching a photograph of four caffeine drinks, the court heard. He was later spotted drifting onto the wrong side of the road by witnesses and went on to strike a motorbike carrying Malcolm Traquair and Ruth Keighley, of Bearsden, on the A9 near Kingussie.

Severe brain damage

Both motorcyclists suffered very serious injuries; 63-year-old cardiac nurse, Ms Keighley spent 16 months in hospital following the crash, suffering from severe brain damage. Ms Keighley had to undergo several surgical procedures and had to go through the process of learning to walk and talk again.

Former senior fire officer, Mr Traquair, completely lost the use of his right arm putting an end to his ability to drive his motorbike among many other things.

Thornton, a company director, had been returning from a business trip in Elgin. He admitted driving dangerously knowing he was tired and causing the couple serious injury by colliding with their motorbike on indictment at Inverness Sheriff Court. The Court deferred sentence until May for a background report to be published.

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