Fife’s Chief Constable avoids court date after causing head on crash

• Scotland’s first female chief constable involved in head-on collision in February

• Charge alleges that she was driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road-users

Norma Graham - Scotland’s first ever female chief constable - was involved in a head-on collision on February 7 as she drove to work at Fife Constabulary HQ in Glenrothes.

She and another motorist were taken to hospital following the smash on the B922 Cluny to Kinglassie Road.

Her unmarked, dark blue Audi Quattro car and the other motorist’s Renault Clio were both badly damaged in the smash.

Now Miss Graham, 49, who earns £120,000 a year and is set to retire later this year, faces a charge of careless driving over the incident.

It is thought this is the first time in Scottish legal history that a Chief Constable has been cited to appear in court as an accused person.

The charge against her alleges that on February 7 on the B922 Cluny to Kinglassie Road that she drove her 2009 Audi Quattro without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

It is alleged that Chief Constable Graham failed to keep the vehicle under proper control and caused it to collide with Miss Shedden’s Renault Clio.

Prosecutors say that as a result both vehicles were damaged and both drivers were injured.

She was due to appear at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to face the charge today, but defence solicitor Colin Simpson appeared on her behalf.

He told the court: “I represent Ms Graham.

“My motion would be to continue this case without plea for three weeks.

“I require to make certain enquiries in relation to the summary of evidence.”

The case against the Chief Constable will call again on July 10.

A spokesman for Fife Constabulary declined to comment on the case.