Lorry driver who hit Inverness bridge admits careless driving

A lorry driver hit a railway bridge in Inverness while following a route given to him by employers a court has been told.

Ionut Stanila (34) of Scandinavian Way, Immingham in Lincolnshire, attempted to drive under the bridge in Lower Kessock Street on October 7 last year.

It has a height restriction of 13ft 6in.

When Stanila struck the bridge at 11am the collision caused his lorry to fall towards the bridge on top of a railing.

The railing collapsed and Stanila was able to crawl out of the cab of his vehicle.

Depute fiscal Rowena Carlton said several emergency vehicles attended the scene in the aftermath.

Solicitor John MacColl said Stanila, who pleaded guilty to careless driving, had been following a pre-programmed route given to him by his employers and did not expect to encounter a low bridge.

Nevertheless he admitted: “It’s his fault.”

The court heard the driver was a first offender.

Sheriff Cruickshank fined Stanila £630 and imposed seven penalty points.

Click here for more court news