Ryan Ralph acquitted of careless driving after A96 head-on crash. He claimed aquaplaning caused the accident.
The taxi was taking a dialysis patient home. The crash happened on November 14, 2023. Ryan Ralph was found not guilty. The sheriff, Robert Frazer, made the decision at Inverness Sheriff Court.
Ralph said his van aquaplaned. He lost control because of water on the road. This happened on the A96 at Tomhommie. Ralph broke his back and ribs. He also punctured a lung in the accident.
He crawled out to check on others. His lawyer argued the accident was not Ralph’s fault. There was no proof he sped. He told police he drove about 50 mph.
The taxi driver, Alistair Maxwell, testified. He stated he drove at 45 mph. He said Ralph came out of nowhere. Maxwell thought Ralph drove over 60 mph.
Maxwell’s passenger was seriously hurt. He agreed his speed estimate was an assumption. Ralph said he didn’t drive too fast. He lost control after aquaplaning.
The sheriff said the Crown needed proof. He felt they didn’t prove their case. So, he acquitted Ralph of careless driving. Ralph admitted he drove without insurance.
His lawyer asked for leniency. Ralph already had six points on his license. Adding more could mean a driving ban. The sheriff gave him five points and a £500 fine.
Ralph explained his insurance problem. His business partner canceled it. He did so without telling Ralph. Ralph believed he had insurance. His lawyer stated this was a reasonable belief.