Bin lorry driver to face trial over wheelchair user’s death

A council bin lorry driver will face trial accused of causing the death of an elderly man in a wheelchair by dangerous driving.

Scott Hamilton, 43, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday to the lesser charge of causing the death of 80-year-old Peter Willis by careless driving but the plea was rejected by the Crown.

He is due to face trial in September accused of causing Mr Willis’ death by driving a Stirling Council bin lorry dangerously on Sheriffmuir Road, Dunblane.

The charge alleges he “carried out a reversing manoeuvre without taking adequate steps to ensure it was safe to do so” and failed to check the road behind the lorry was clear of pedestrians and vehicles.

As a result, the charge alleges, the lorry struck the motorised wheelchair being driven by Mr Willis, fatally injuring him.

The incident is said to have occurred on December 3, 2014 near the entrance to Cauldhame House, Sheriffmuir.

Hamilton, from Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire is due to face trial at Stirling Sheriff Court on September 26.