Karin Prior (above) was killed after her Mini (right) was hit in the smash
Karin Prior, a children’s occupational therapist, suffered serious head injuries in the car crash at Newmarket about two miles outside Stornoway around 3pm on Monday 20 August 2012.
Procurator fiscal David Teale told the court that Mackay was driving home from Stornoway to Newmarket in her mother’s BMW when the crash happened on a sweeping right hand bend just beyond the Tong Road junction.
Karin Prior -
Mr Teale said Mackay lost control, her car skidded and spun round, colliding with the side of their Mini.
There was “significant and substantial damage” to the Mini which was “propelled backwards and down a grass incline.”
Police collision investigators were unable to define the speed of either vehicle but estimated Mackay was going over 30mph but under 40mph
Fire crews cut an unconscious Karin out of the wreckage and she was rushed to the Stornoway hospital for a head scan which showed “serious injuries.” She never regained consciousness and died that evening.
Philip Rogers, who now lives in England, was also cut out of the mangled car. He was flown to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with his right leg shattered above the knee as well as two broken arms. Mr Teale said he was still in pain, making a slow recovery and unable to work.
Defence advocate Steve Love said it was a “tragic” case and Mackay “fully accepts the impact of her actions.”
She was “deeply remorseful for her actions and the consequences.”
She “expresses real sympathy” to the families of the victims, he added.
Mackay did not intend to cause harm, nor was purposefully a bad driver and would “undo what happened,” if she could.
The advocate said Mackay had no memory of the accident and a medical report concluded it was probably due to sustaining a head injury in the crash.
He highlighted: “I have no doubt the consequences of the accident will remain with her for the rest of her life.”
The lawyer said he found Mackay to be a “thoroughly decent, sensitive and considerate young lady.”
Karin who left a companion, John Hodkin, is buried in Ardroil Cemetery in Uig.
At the time of her death, her parents Tom and Marion Prior, said: “Karin inspired so many with her skills, enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity. We will miss her adventurous and loving spirit.”
