Driver admits killing couple in head-on crash

Martin and Jo Cousland were on holiday on the west coast when the crash happened

A driver has admitted killing a husband and wife in a head-on car crash in Argyll.

Martin and Josephine Cousland, of Anstruther, Fife, died when their Audi Q2 was hit on the A85 in March last year.

George Murphy, 55, caused the crash after overtaking three vehicles and then trying to overtake a bus, the High Court in Glasgow heard.

Murphy and his two sons, who were passengers in his Ford Mondeo, were also injured.

The crash happened on the A85 Oban to Perth trunk road at Glen Lochy about six miles (10km) from Tyndrum as the Couslands were setting off on holiday.

Mrs Cousland, 69, was driving and her 70-year-old husband was the passenger.

Murphy, of Thornliebank, East Renfrewshire, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing the deaths and serious injury by dangerous driving.

The court heard Murphy, who already had a history of road traffic offences, had tried to get round the coach despite having "insufficient visibility of oncoming traffic" due to the approaching blind summit and bend.

Footage of the crash captured on a dash-cam and from the bus and photos of the wreckage were shown in court.

'Haunted by his driving that day'

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC said: "Several drivers and passengers from other vehicles ran to assist the occupants of both cars.

"There was nothing they could do to save the lives of Josephine and Martin Cousland."

Defending, Tony Graham KC said: "There is not a day that passes where he is not haunted by his driving that day.

"It is driving that he has little recollection of as he, too, was injured."

Murphy's son Alexander, 25, suffered a spinal injury while Liam, 21, had his hip shattered in 12 places.

Lord Arthurson deferred sentencing for reports.

After the hearing, the couple's daughters Penelope and Zoe released a statement describing their parents as "fun, kind and caring people" with a "great zest for life".

They said Mr Cousland, a retired engineering project manager, and Mrs Cousland, who worked in human resources, were killed in an "unnecessary and horrific way".

"They have been deprived of growing into old age together and of more time with friends and family," the statement said.

"Our lives will never be the same. We would plead to all road users to drive safely and consider all the potential consequences of not doing so."

The daughters also thanked those who tried to help their parents at the scene.

Murphy was remanded in custody by judge Lord Arthurson pending sentencing next year.