Police Scotland facing legal proceedings over M9 crash deaths

The Crown Office has launched formal proceedings against Police Scotland over its response to a fatal crash in which a couple died when their car went off the motorway more than five years ago.
By Gary Flockhart
Published 22nd Dec 2020, 11:02 BST
Updated 22nd Dec 2020, 11:31 BST

It comes after the deaths of John Yuill, 28, and his partner Lamara Bell, 25, whose car left the M9 near Stirling in July 2015.

Despite a call being made to police, it took them three days to respond. When officers finally arrived at the scene, Mr Yuill was dead and Ms Bell died later in hospital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC is understood to have notified Chief Constable Iain Livingstone – who was not in charge of Police Scotland at the time – that legal proceedings against the force have commenced.

John Yuill and Lamara Bell, who lay in their crashed car for three days before authorities attended the scene. Picture: PAJohn Yuill and Lamara Bell, who lay in their crashed car for three days before authorities attended the scene. Picture: PA
John Yuill and Lamara Bell, who lay in their crashed car for three days before authorities attended the scene. Picture: PA

A spokeswoman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The case team and staff from our Victim Information and Advice service have communicated with family members and their legal representatives throughout, and will continue to keep them informed of any significant developments in relation to the investigation.

“In order to protect any potential proceedings, the Crown will not comment further at this stage.”

Mr Livingstone said: “Lamara Bell and John Yuill’s deaths were a tragedy and my thoughts and condolences are with their families and loved ones.

“Police Scotland has fully assisted the Crown Office throughout their inquiries and will continue to engage in due process.”

In a statement released by solicitors Digby Brown, Ms Bell’s family said: “We will not comment on any new or ongoing proceedings until they have all concluded.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.