Halkirk man given ‘benefit of the doubt’ as he is cleared over crash that flipped car

A Halkirk man has been cleared on a careless driving charge. Sheriff Neil Wilson said it was impossible to establish who was to blame for the two-car collision.

The incident resulted in one of the two vehicles involved, a Ford Fiesta, "flipping over" and ending up in a field, Wick Sheriff Court was told last week.

Gordon Brims (41) pleaded not guilty after being charged with careless driving.

Sheriff Wilson heard evidence from offshore worker James Worthington who was heading to Thurso at 60mph.

His Fiesta had started to overtake Brims' car on the A882 at Clayock, on June 6, last year when the accused pulled out in front of him, intending to make a right-hand turn at a junction and there was a collision.

Mr Worthington said he did the usual checks and signalled he was overtaking. When there was no response from Brims he sounded his horn and braked but was unable to avoid the collision.

The witness said that Brims might have signalled he was pulling out but he wasn't aware of it.

Brims, of Dachaidh Beag, Clayock, Halkirk, did not lead evidence.

Sheriff Wilson said it was possible both drivers might have been guilty of careless driving.

Finding the charge not proven, the sheriff told Brims: “To convict anyone of a charge, I have to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt. The evidence led leaves me with a reasonable doubt as to where the fault lies and I must give you the benefit of that doubt.”