Driver Sentenced to Jail for Fatal High-Speed Crash on South Deeside Road

The driver was caught speeding up to 125mph, which is much faster than the usual speed limit. This led to a fatal crash that killed his friend.
By Newsroom | Crime, Scotland |

A 26-year-old man, identified as Buchan, has been sentenced to jail for causing the death of his friend, a teenager, in a collision that occurred on South Deeside Road. Buchan admitted to causing the death and had previously been clocked driving at speeds up to 125mph. The fatal incident involved the car losing control on a bend, becoming airborne, and subsequently crashing into trees.

The court heard that Buchan was originally facing charges related to driving at speeds up to 194mph on separate occasions, and up to 118mph immediately preceding the fatal crash. The victim's mother, Trudi Walsh, expressed a hope that others would learn from the dangers of excessive speed. Buchan, described by his defence counsel Neil Shand as a mechanic, considered the deceased, Ben Taylor, his closest friend.

Read More: NYPD horse officer catches purse thief in Manhattan on April 15 2026

Circumstances of the Crash

Reports suggest a connection between the crash and a significant alcohol consumption. One account mentions a five-hour drinking binge preceding the incident. The driver involved, identified as Ross Neville in some reports, was described as having consumed beer and shots for over five hours before attempting to drive his friend home. Following the collision, Neville allegedly fled the scene, initially stating to a witness that the passenger was fine. CCTV footage reportedly captured him leaving the crash site.

Further details indicate Neville was attempting to drive back to Carlisle from Newcastle city centre. Witnesses described the vehicle overtaking them at high speed before Neville lost control. The vehicle involved in one of the reported incidents was a Raptor, and the passenger, identified as Matthew Newton, 28, sustained "unsurvivable injuries". The victim's mother directed her words towards Neville, expressing a wish for him to experience nightmares, mirroring her own grief over her son's condition and the inability to even kiss him goodbye due to his injuries.

Read More: SNP faces questions on 100 broken promises before new election pledges

Background and Broader Concerns

These incidents raise pointed questions regarding 'road safety' and the consequences of 'impaired driving'. The repeated instances of extreme speeding, coupled with alleged alcohol consumption, highlight a persistent pattern of behaviour that tragically culminates in loss of life. The focus on these events, as reported across various outlets, underscores a societal undercurrent of concern regarding drivers who operate vehicles at speeds far exceeding legal limits and under the influence of substances. The narrative around these events is complicated by the admission of guilt in some instances, yet juxtaposed with alleged actions such as fleeing the scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Buchan sentenced to jail?
Buchan, 26, was sentenced for causing the death of his friend in a high-speed car crash on South Deeside Road. He admitted to causing death and was recorded driving at speeds up to 125mph.
Q: What happened during the fatal crash?
The car lost control on a bend, went into the air, and hit trees. The driver was reportedly under the influence of alcohol after a long drinking session.
Q: What did the victim's mother say?
Trudi Walsh, the mother of the victim, expressed hope that others would learn from the dangers of excessive speed. She also wished the driver nightmares, reflecting her own grief.
Q: Were there other high-speed incidents involved?
The court heard Buchan faced charges for speeds up to 194mph on other occasions and 118mph just before the fatal crash. Another report mentions a driver named Ross Neville fleeing the scene after a crash where Matthew Newton, 28, died from severe injuries.
Q: What broader issues do these incidents highlight?
These events highlight serious concerns about road safety and the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol. They show a pattern of behaviour leading to tragic loss of life.