A MOTORIST who suffered a momentary lapse of attention will have to live with the guilt of killing two leading scientists for the rest of her life.
Doctors Stewart Rhind, 61, and Julian Dawson, 42, who were based at the James Hutton Institute, an agricultural research centre in Aberdeen, died in the ensuing accident after mother of two Elizabeth-Anne Dixon's caused another motorist to swerve on a busy road two years ago.
Mrs Dixon, 35, yesterday (mon) broke down in tears at Aberdeen Sheriff Court as she was ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work as a direct alternative to prison.
The NHS occupational therapist had earlier pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on the A90.
Sheriff Graham Buchanan said she suffered a "momentary lapse of attention" and sending her to prison would only increase the heartache felt by those affected.
Sentencing, he said: "This was a devastating incident. Devastating for many people, particularly the two men who lost their lives and their families.
"The guilt you have will stay with you for the rest of your life.
"It is plain that you are a decent person who has good character.
"It would only add to this tragedy if your life and the lives of your two young children would be shattered by the imposition of a custodial sentence."
Mrs Dixon failed to spot a fellow motorist when she joined the busy trunk roads from the central reservation of a staggered junction.
The other driver swerve out of her way and skidded across the central reservation before colliding with an oncoming car carrying the researchers.
The deaths of Dr Rhind and Dr Dawson were described by colleagues as an an "immense loss" to Scottish science.
At the time, Mrs Dixon was driving her 10-year-old and eight-year-old sons from Aberdeenshire to see their father in Brechin on March 8 2013 at the time.
Her Volkswagen Golf strayed from the central reservation onto the southbound carriageway of the road, near Fordoun, causing another motorist to take evasive action.
The other car crossed the central reservation into oncoming traffic before colliding with the silver Vauxhall Astra estate.
Outside court, Dr Rhind's wife June. "It was a tragic accident that affected many lives. Someone needs to look at that junction."
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