Speeder who paralyzed a young woman in an accident must go to prison

A speeder in Aberdeenshire who left a young woman paralysed after an accident has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Ellen Stickle, now 27, was a passenger in a car that was hit by the BMW of 32-year-old Gavin Coull on the A90 road from Ellon to Aberdeen in March 2021.

Shortly before the impact, Coull from Fraserburgh uploaded a video to the Internet showing that the speedometer was showing more than 160 km/h.

Coull, who claimed someone else was driving, was found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.

He was also banned from driving for four years by Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Philip Mann said the accident caused “catastrophic” injuries that meant Ms Stickle would never become a mother.

Coull was previously convicted after a five-day trial at Peterhead Sheriff Court.

The court heard that Coull was travelling south on the dual carriageway with a passenger late that evening when he collided with a red Ford Fiesta.

Jurors were shown footage he uploaded to Snapchat, captioned “Burning The Midnight Oil,” which showed the speed of the car.

As a result of the impact, the Fiesta broke through the guard rails and crashed onto a grassy embankment off the A90.

Mrs. Stickle testified and told the jury that she had no memory of the accident.

“I remember the spine specialist telling me I would never be able to run again,” said the former avid runner.

“It's hard, but I'm just grateful I didn't die.”

Calum McIntyre, who was driving the Fiesta in which Ms Stickle was a passenger, was also injured.

Defence lawyer Sam Milligan told the court that although Coull accepted the verdict, he insisted he was not the driver at the time of the accident.

Sheriff Mann told Coull it was “egregiously bad” driving.

He said a young woman had suffered catastrophic injuries that left her confined to a wheelchair and had suffered “mental anguish”.

He said she would never enjoy running or walking again and would never be able to be a mother, and their relationship at that time ended.

Sheriff Mann said he was aware that no judgment would be enough to compensate her for the rest of her life.

Coull was also required to take an extended test before he could drive again.

A statement on behalf of Ms Stickle said: 'Ellen would like to express her sincere thanks to those who first arrived on the scene and who she believes played a key role in saving her life, including the various emergency services personnel who attended.

“Ellen would especially like to thank bus driver Sandra Cordiner and tow truck driver John Shirran, not only for their immediate actions, but also for the time and energy they devoted to giving their testimony in court.

“Ellen would also like to thank the Scottish Police and other organisations who worked tirelessly to secure this conviction.”

Injured driver McIntyre told BBC Scotland News: “I would like to express my huge thanks to all the emergency services who came to our aid that night.”

“After several years of turbulent legal proceedings, I am glad that a jury has found someone responsible for what happened.

“The impact Gavin had on the life of a young woman and her family by driving while under the influence of alcohol is unfathomable.”

He added: “I hope other people will think twice before repeating Gavin's behaviour and the danger it poses to other road users.”

Sergeant Craig McNeill of Police Scotland said: “Coull's disregard for road safety had a devastating effect on her.”

“He was driving dangerously fast under the influence of alcohol.

“His actions highlight the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the lasting impact it has on those involved and their families and friends.

“Drivers must obey speed limits and respect the safety of other road users.

“Drivers are responsible for their actions and the temptation to take risks can have serious and long-term consequences for everyone involved.”