Fatal Crash and Sentencing
A driver who caused the death of his teenage friend in a high-speed crash has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison. The incident occurred when Josh Buchan, 26, lost control of an Audi RS3 traveling at 108mph on the outskirts of Aberdeen in 2022, resulting in the death of passenger Ben Taylor, 19.
Buchan admitted to causing the death of Taylor and also acknowledged driving at speeds of up to 125mph on a prior occasion. The victim's mother, Trudi Walsh, expressed hope that the tragic event would serve as a warning about the dangers of excessive speed.
Details of the Crash
Advocate depute Lindsey Dalziel, representing the Crown, described the loss experienced by Taylor's family as "devastating." At the time of the crash, Buchan was driving a black high-performance Audi RS3, which has a top speed of 155mph.
The vehicle lost control on a bend, became airborne, and collided with trees. Buchan and another passenger managed to exit the vehicle, but Taylor sustained fatal head injuries and died inside the car.
Investigations determined the car was traveling at 108mph as it approached the bend, with the impact occurring at approximately 93mph. Collision experts concluded that Buchan's manner of driving was the primary cause of losing control.
Evidence of Previous Speeding
Following the crash, Taylor's mother discovered a video clip showing the Audi's dashboard indicating speeds of up to 125mph on an earlier occasion. Buchan admitted to driving the vehicle in the video, which was filmed in the Aberdeen area.
Initially, Buchan faced charges of driving at speeds up to 194mph on previous occasions and driving at up to 118mph before the fatal crash on South Deeside Road. He later admitted to amended charges of driving at up to 125mph previously and causing the death of his rear seat passenger by dangerous driving at 108mph on the B9077 road in September 2022.
Legal and Personal Impact
Defence counsel Neil Shand stated that Buchan regarded Ben Taylor as his closest friend. He described Buchan's actions as "stupid and reckless" and said the consequences would "live with him forever more."
Shand added that Buchan, who had experienced hair loss attributed to stress and worry, accepted that a significant custodial sentence was unavoidable and acknowledged he would pay a "heavy price" for his actions.
Judge Buchanan acknowledged the severe impact of Buchan's conduct and condemned the "disgracefully" high speed at which he was driving.
Victim's Family Response
Taylor's mother, Trudi Walsh, described her son as "a generous soul" and said the family would never find it easier to cope with their loss. She also has twin sons, Jon and Sam, aged 21.
"Most importantly, I want this to be a lesson for other people, such as Josh, that there are consequences. I just don't want it to be wasted.
"I just want people to think twice before they go out. There's too many of these accidents happening now.
"I know Josh is somebody else's son, but driving like that is a choice. And the way he was driving, he'd have been as well having a gun that day."
