Drug driver killed mother-of-four in A9 crash

A man killed a mother-of-four after driving on the wrong side of the road while under the influence of cocaine, a court has heard.

Margaret Sutherland died at the scene after suffering head, chest, pelvis and bone injuries after her car was struck by Jamie Little's vehicle on the A9 at Torepark in Easter Ross in April 2024.

Little, 41, from Alness, admitted causing the 59-year-old carer's death by driving dangerously, while the proportions of cocaine and Benzolecgonine in his blood were above specified limits.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 3 February.

The High Court in Edinburgh was told Little failed to make proper observations of the road ahead, drove onto the opposing carriageway, failed to take evasive action despite oncoming traffic and caused the fatal collision.

The court heard that Little, who has a previous conviction for dangerous driving, was working as a service engineer travelling around hydro sites carrying out maintenance and repairs.

Prior to the crash, his vehicle swerved onto the wrong side of the road before colliding with Margaret Sutherland's Mini Cooper.

Both vehicles sustained serious damage in the collision with the bonnet of the Mini crushed backwards, shattering the windscreen.

The court was told other drivers and passengers went to Margaret Sutherland's Mini to help.

Alex Prentice KC, prosecuting, said: "Attempts were made to assist her, but it became obvious that there were no signs of life.

"They remained with her until members of the ambulance services arrived on the scene."

Little was found conscious but complained of pain in his hip in the aftermath of the crash.

The court heard that cocaine can cause restlessness, nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision and nausea.

Prentice said: "These effects can adversely affect the performance of skilled tasks such as driving."

The prosecutor said the collision "lies entirely with the driver of the southbound Toyota Hilux who has entered the northbound lane and collided with the Mini Cooper car."

He said it was unknown why, or at what point, Little's car entered the northbound lane or how long it travelled there prior to impact.

Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif told the court that Little was "acutely aware" of the devastation his decision to drive had caused the victim's family.

Judge Lord Summers deferred sentence on Little for the preparation of a background report.