Man jailed for killing van driver in three-vehicle crash

A man who killed a van driver in a three-vehicle crash has been jailed for four years and three months.

Kyle Reid, 27, lost control of his speeding car when he tried to overtake on the A947 near Whiterashes, Aberdeenshire, in December 2020.

His car hit a lorry, causing it to hit a van, killing the driver Anthony Duncan and seriously injuring his passenger Stuart Morrison.

Reid admitted causing Mr Duncan's death and Mr Morrison's severe injury by dangerous driving.

A court was told Reid's Ford Focus went on the wrong side of the road when he skidded and struck the lorry.

Reid later denied performing the overtaking manoeuvre when questioned by police around nine months after the crash.

Sentencing Reid at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Mulholland told him he had caused "untold grief" to Mr Duncan's family.

He said: "You were travelling too fast at 71 miles per hour which was 18 to 19 per cent above the maximum speed for this road.

"A motor vehicle can be used as a lethal weapon in the wrong hands and unfortunately for them it was in your hands that day."

Reid, of Insch, Aberdeenshire, was also disqualified from driving for 11 years and seven months.

It was revealed that he has previous convictions for speeding and driving without insurance or a licence.

Gareth Jones KC, defending, told the sentencing hearing that his client showed "empathy" towards his victims.

The advocate added: "He feels extremely uncomfortable in discussing the nature of his injuries he sustained and the effect it had on him as it pales in comparison to the injuries of his victims."

Mr Duncan - who was involved with his local Highland football team Turriff United for 10 years - was hailed as a "genuine legend" in a tribute posted by the team after his death.