Man convicted after crash which killed five people in Moray

A 50-year-old man has been convicted of causing death by careless driving after a crash which killed five people in Moray in 2018.

Alfredo Ciociola, from Sicily in Italy, was the driver of a Fiat Talento minibus which collided with a Nissan X-Trail on the A96 between Keith and Huntly on Thursday, 26 July, 2018.

Tragically, three people from the Nissan and two from the Fiat were killed.

The occupants of the Nissan X-Trail were Edward (Ted) Reid, 63, from Macduff, Evalyn Collie, 69, from Aberchirder and Audrey Appleby, 70, from Aberchirder.

The occupants of the Fiat minibus were, Frances Saliba Patanè, 63, and Lorenzo Ciociola, aged four, both from Sicily. A number of other people suffered serious injuries.

Chief Inspector Andrew Barclay said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident which has impacted on so many lives since it happened almost four years ago.

“It is a stark example of the consequences of driving while unfit to do so safely. In this instance Alfredo Ciociola continued to drive, despite being tired and ultimately, he fell asleep at the wheel, leading to this tragedy.

“It shows how any lapse in concentration while driving can result in tragedy.

“The impact of this incident on everyone who responded on the day and also on the wider community cannot be underestimated.

“Most importantly I want to extend my sympathies to the families and everyone directly affected by the loss of the five people who died.”