Driver gets 7.5 years in prison for causing friend's death at 108mph near Aberdeen

A driver has been jailed for 7.5 years after his car reached 108mph, causing a fatal crash. This is a serious consequence for speeding.
By Newsroom | Crime, Scotland |

Friend Killed After Car Exceeds 100mph

Josh Buchan, 26, has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for causing the death of his teenage friend, Ben Taylor, 19. The fatal incident occurred when Buchan lost control of his vehicle on a bend at speeds approaching 108mph, causing the car to become airborne before colliding with trees.

Driver jailed for causing friend's death in 108mph crash - 1

The collision, which happened on South Deeside Road on the outskirts of Aberdeen in 2022, resulted in Taylor sustaining fatal head injuries within the vehicle. Buchan, a mechanic and first-time offender, admitted to causing Taylor's death. He also acknowledged prior instances of dangerous driving, including reaching speeds of up to 125mph on a previous occasion. Collision experts determined Buchan's manner of driving was the direct cause of losing control.

Driver jailed for causing friend's death in 108mph crash - 2

Buchan appeared via video link and, according to defence counsel Neil Shand, considered Taylor his closest friend. The vehicle involved was a black high-performance Audi RS3. Buchan and another passenger managed to exit the car following the crash.

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Driver jailed for causing friend's death in 108mph crash - 3

In a separate, unrelated incident on April 13, 2026, Nicolae Subtirel, 27, was sentenced to six years and nine months for causing the death of a passenger and seriously injuring another after excessive speed. Subtirel was also banned from driving for nine and a half years. Investigations into that collision involved CCTV tracking.

Driver jailed for causing friend's death in 108mph crash - 4

Additionally, reports from March 25, 2026, detail the sentencing of Ross Neville, 35, to prison for causing the death of his friend Matthew Newton, 28, in an incident where the vehicle reached speeds of up to 108mph. Neville had been drinking for several hours prior to the crash. He reportedly told an approaching HGV driver that his injured friend was "fine" before fleeing the scene. CCTV footage captured Neville running from the crash site. Neville's vehicle was a Ford Raptor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Josh Buchan sentenced to prison?
Josh Buchan, 26, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for causing the death of his 19-year-old friend, Ben Taylor. The crash happened when Buchan lost control of his car at speeds of 108mph near Aberdeen in 2022.
Q: How did the fatal crash happen?
Buchan was driving his Audi RS3 at speeds near 108mph on South Deeside Road when he lost control on a bend. The car went into the air and hit trees, killing Ben Taylor who was a passenger.
Q: What was the speed involved in the crash?
Collision experts found that Buchan's car was travelling at speeds approaching 108mph when he lost control. He had also been caught driving at 125mph on a previous occasion.
Q: Who was affected by this crash?
Ben Taylor, 19, lost his life in the crash. Josh Buchan, the driver, has been jailed. His family and Ben's family are also deeply affected by this tragedy.
Q: What happens next for Josh Buchan?
Josh Buchan will serve seven-and-a-half years in prison for causing Ben Taylor's death. He admitted to causing death by dangerous driving.
Q: Are there other recent cases of dangerous driving causing death?
Yes, on April 13, 2026, Nicolae Subtirel was sentenced to six years and nine months for causing death and serious injury due to speed. On March 25, 2026, Ross Neville was jailed for causing his friend's death after reaching 108mph and drinking alcohol.