A teenager who was involved in an accident on the A75 near Dumfries on 21 February 2009 has admitted causing the death of his 16 year old passenger by dangerous driving.

Irving Gracie, a 19 year old from Dumfries, was driving at speeds of approximately 116mph just before the car crash which left his friend Danny McQueen dead at the scene.  Another friend was also badly injured as a result of the accident.

At the court hearing, the court heard how Gracie had been at a party drinking Buckfast when he was asked to go and pick up McQueen and some friends from the train station in Annan.

However as they approached the outskirts of Dumfries, one of the passengers became worried about Gracie’s driving and he was described as driving like “a rally driver”.

Gracie lost control of the vehicle coming out of a dip in the road.  The court also heard that the vehicle hit a tree with such force that parts of it were thrown over 100 ft through the air. During the police investigation Gracie advised the police that he had been driving at 50mph and had swerved to avoid a fox on the road.

The Judge stated that “This is a clear example of young men who fail to appreciate the dangers associated with driving at excessive speed”.

Every year thousands of young drivers are involved in car accidents on our roads.  If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident contact our expert No Win No Fee lawyers to obtain the compensation your deserve.