A reckless driver who caused a fatal accident resulting in the deaths of three young men was informed that she would face jail time as she was driving at speeds exceeding 85mph around a curve before crashing.
Jorja Colville was driving aggressively in her Ford Focus on a country road when she lost control of the vehicle, leading to the tragic deaths of Reece Williams, 23, Lewis Soden, 24, and Connor Page, 21, who were passengers in the car.
During the court proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lady Ross emphasized that a custodial sentence was unavoidable. She expressed the profound sorrow experienced by the families of the victims, acknowledging that nothing could alleviate their anguish.
Colville, residing on Broomridge Road in Stirling, pleaded guilty to causing the fatalities of her car passengers on July 26 the previous year at the C3 Moss Road near Dunmore village in Stirlingshire. This was due to dangerous driving at excessive speeds, resulting in the loss of control of her Ford Focus, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a tree.
Prosecutor Scott McKenzie revealed that Colville, an early years assistant, had no prior criminal record and was undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression following the accident.
On the day of the crash, witness Kirstin Scobbie observed Colville’s car, registered as JO17 RJA, behind her on Moss Road. Colville overtook her at a speed exceeding the limit and ultimately crashed into the bushes after a series of bends, prompting Scobbie to stop and witness the aftermath.
Another driver, Dean Norris, witnessed the Ford Focus speeding towards him before losing control, leading to the fatal crash. Despite his efforts to assist, he found no signs of life in the three males still inside the vehicle.
Following the incident, Colville confirmed to the police that she was the driver, with her boyfriend Reece Williams among the passengers, who tragically succumbed to fatal injuries. The court heard that data retrieved from the Ford Focus indicated consistent speeding above the limit, reaching a peak of 92.6 mph before the crash.
Collision investigators determined that the accident occurred due to excessive speed inappropriate for the road conditions and hazards present. Colville’s defense attorney, Gordon Martin KC, mentioned that she has refrained from driving since the incident and acknowledged the impending custodial sentence.
Lady Ross postponed sentencing to allow for a background report on Colville and imposed a temporary driving ban. Colville’s bail was extended until the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 8 at the High Court in Stirling.