Motorist found guilty of causing woman’s death

A driver has been found guilty of causing the death of a young Orkney woman in 2019.

Raymond Ward, 29, had passed his test for just three months before his BMW 218d Sports Coupe collided with a purple Ford Fiesta being driven by Claire Anderson.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the “horrifying” smash took place on the A964 road between Kirkwall and Orphir on June 14, 2019.

On Thursday, jurors returned a verdict of guilty to a charge of Ward causing Miss Anderson’s death by dangerous driving.

Motorists giving witness testimony said they saw Ward driving on the wrong side of the road moments before the collision.

Judge Fiona Tait deferred sentence and continued Ward’s bail. He will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on May 27.