Young Driver Faces Jail for Tragic Speeding Crash
A 21-year-old woman has been told she will be imprisoned after admitting to causing a horrific crash that claimed the lives of three young passengers. Jorja Colville from Stirling was driving at excessive speeds, reaching more than 92mph, before losing control of her vehicle on a bend.
The Fatal Incident on Moss Road
The tragedy occurred on July 26 last year on the C3 Moss Road near Dunmore in Stirlingshire. Colville, an early years assistant, was behind the wheel of a Ford Focus carrying her boyfriend, Reece Williams, 23, and his friends Lewis Soden, 24, and Connor Page, 21. Data retrieved from the vehicle showed she had been travelling at 92.6mph just before a bend, which she then attempted to take at 85mph.
Witness Kirstin Scobbie reported that Colville's car overtook her while she was driving at the 60mph speed limit. After a series of bends, Ms Scobbie came across debris and discovered the Focus on its side in bushes, seriously damaged. She found Colville covered in blood and screaming for help, with the driver stating that the three other occupants were unconscious and not breathing.
Another motorist, Dean Norris, saw the Ford Focus land on the road surface before losing control. He turned back to assist but could find no signs of life from the three male passengers still inside the wreckage.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lady Ross told Colville that 'a custodial sentence here is inevitable.' The advocate depute, Scott McKenzie, informed the court that Colville had no previous convictions and has since been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the collision, for which she receives medication and therapy.
Colville pleaded guilty to causing the deaths by driving dangerously. She failed to maintain control of her Ford Focus, causing it to leave the road, travel onto a verge, and strike a tree. Collision investigators concluded the crash was caused by 'driving at significantly excessive speed for the road layout and approaching hazards', which were indicated by road signs.
Defence solicitor Gordon Martin, KC, stated that Colville, who suffered a broken shoulder and ribs in the crash, has not driven since the incident and understands a prison sentence will be imposed. Lady Ross adjourned sentencing until January 8, with Colville remaining free on bail until that date.
