A 61-year-old van driver is due to stand trial accused of causing a head-on collision in Renfrewshire that killed a passenger and four ponies. James Graham, of Ayr, denies causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with the crash on the A737 at Howwood on 23 September 2024, which claimed the life of 59-year-old Lesley Jane McTear.
Graham's legal representatives entered a not guilty plea on his behalf at the High Court in Glasgow. Prosecutors allege he was travelling at 75mph in a 50mph zone in the dark, with poor visibility, when he failed to notice a herd of ponies on the road.
According to the charges, Graham struck the animals, killing four of them, before losing control of his van, crossing into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with a Mercedes A-Class in which McTear was travelling as a passenger. The indictment states he did not maintain proper observation of the road ahead and did not respond to warning signs of an approaching vehicle.
The impact reportedly forced the Mercedes backwards onto a grass verge. McTear sustained injuries so severe that she died, while two other occupants of the car were also hurt.
What additional details have emerged about the crash?
Police at the time said six horses had escaped onto the road, with four killed in the collision and two others rescued and led to safety, according to a report from the Scottish Daily Express. The same report indicated the crash occurred at around 3.10am, and that police had appealed to the public for witnesses or dash-cam footage that might assist their investigation.
How did McTear's family respond to her death?
In a statement issued shortly after the crash, McTear's family described her as a devoted family member and expressed the depth of their grief.
"As a family, we are deeply saddened by the events that have caused such a void in our family," they said.
"Lesley was the glue that kept us all together and anyone who was lucky enough to know her was showered by her unconditional love."
This case is one of several recent prosecutions in the UK involving fatal road collisions. In a separate case, a driver was jailed for more than four years after causing a fatal head-on crash that killed a motorcyclist, having consumed drugs and alcohol before the incident. Elsewhere, a man was recently charged over the death of a pensioner in a crash in Broughty Ferry involving a stolen vehicle.
What happens next?
The trial has now been formally scheduled for December 2027 at the High Court in Glasgow, according to a report from the Scottish Sun, and is expected to run for approximately five days. Graham remains on bail as he awaits proceedings.
Key Facts
- The crash occurred on the A737 near Howwood on 23 September 2024, reportedly around 3.10am.
- James Graham, 61, of Ayr, denies causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
- Six ponies were loose on the road; four died and two were led to safety, police said.
- Lesley Jane McTear, 59, died from injuries sustained in the collision; two other car occupants were also injured.
- The High Court trial in Glasgow is scheduled for December 2027 and expected to last around five days.
