Man in court after three are killed

THE mother of a five-year-old boy killed in a road accident in which another woman and her daughter also died, spoke of her heartbreak yesterday as a man appeared in court in connection with the three deaths.

Michelle Sneddon, 30, was also injured in the crash in Glenrothes, Fife, on Sunday which claimed the life of her son Ross, 39-year-old Anne Martin and her eight-year-old daughter Ashley.

Yesterday Dean Martin, 23, was remanded in custody, charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop following an accident.

Martin - no relation to the victims - of Carfrae Drive, Glenrothes, appeared in private at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and made no plea or declaration.

Mrs Sneddon, who suffered facial wounds in the accident, and husband Andrew said their son’s death had left them devastated. Ross was returning home from a disco-dancing class with his mother and sister, and Ashley and Ashley’s mother when the group was hit by a Vauxhall Vectra car near their homes in the Minto Crescent.

Just before the car struck Mrs Sneddon was able to push her daughter’s pram away to prevent further tragedy. She said of Ross: "He was having a great time. He was dancing with everyone and having the time of his life. He was desperate to get back home to show everyone how to do the latest routine."

Mr Sneddon, 29, said: "Ross was so full of life and his smile was so infectious. I just can’t get used to opening his bedroom door and him not being there.

"I can’t believe a lad with so much to give could be killed like that."

The children who died were pupils at nearby Southwood Primary School, where headteacher Gordon Buchanan yesterday led tributes to the youngsters.

He said: This is devastating news for everyone in our school and in the surrounding community."