Medical experts disagree over Nairn crash fainting possibility
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A 91-year-old man died in the aftermath of the crash in 2021. Picture: Gary Anthony
Two medical experts have disagreed over whether a pensioner is likely to have fainted before an incident in which a 91 -year-old man died.
Christina Cameron (75) of Osprey Crescent, Nairn, denies causing the death by careless driving of local man James Alexander (91) in an incident involving her car and another vehicle[2] at the junction of Thurlow Road and Seafield Street in the town.
Earlier today Inverness Sheriff Court heard from a police collisions expert[3] who concluded one vehicle had emerged from the junction without giving way to another.
PC Mark Dalloway said the responsibility for the collision lies solely with the driver of the Mazda, Cameron, who failed to give way, colliding with a Honda and then hitting Mr Alexander who died four days later as a result of injuries sustained.
This afternoon Dr Stuart Hutcheon, a cardiologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, said that syncope (fainting) was “a remote possibility but highly unlikely” in the case.
This was after examining Cameron’s medical records as well as witness statements.
He said there was no history before, during or since the incident of black-outs by Cameron.
He also disputed that a change in temperature by going from cold estimated at minus 5 degrees Celsius into a car with the heater turned up to maximum 29C would result in a black-out followed by instant recovery.
“In that event, the blood goes directly to the legs and recovery requires the body to lie down,” he said.
“She got out of the car herself and the fact she was aware of the noise of the impact supports my conclusion.
“There is no evidence that syncope was a cause of this accident.”
Cameron’s defence commissioned a report on syncope by Professor Adrian Brady who was also involved in the Glasgow bin lorry tragedy court case in 2014.
He concluded that, having considered the same evidence, syncope was a likely cause.
He is yet to give evidence at the trial though Dr Hutcheon referred to his report.
The trial continues.
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References
- ^ Click here to sign up to our free newsletters! (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ in an incident involving her car and another vehicle (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ Earlier today Inverness Sheriff Court heard from a police collisions expert (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ View our fact sheet on court reporting here (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)