The electrocution of a footballer in a freak off-road car crash could have been avoided, a sheriff has ruled.

Dumbarton FC captain Gordon Lennon, 26, escaped the crash on a Highland estate but was electrocuted when power lines hit the 4x4 he had been travelling in.

The father-of-two was passenger in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon which crashed at Brahan Estate in Maryburgh, Ross-shire on June 7, 2009.

Driver Fraser Hughes lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wooden electricity pole, causing live wires to drop onto the vehicle.

A fatal accident inquiry into the accident was held at Dingwall Sheriff Court in September last year.

Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen ruled that the football captain's death could have been avoided if Mr Hughes had driven with "sufficient care and attention" and had gone slower.

The sheriff said that a "terrifying sequence of events" had led to the "tragic and untimely" death of Mr Lennon.

He praised the actions of friend James Hampton who jumped over a live electricity cable, "with no regard for his own safety", and tried to rescue him and carry out CPR until paramedics arrived.

Mr Lennon was pronounced dead at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Dumbarton football club and its fans were left devastated by the father-of-two's death - he had led his team to the Third Division title just weeks before he died and was described as an "inspiration".

Sheriff MacFadyen has also recommended that Northern Constabulary review its procedures into investigating car accidents which happen on private roads, to make sure evidence is gathered and preserved quickly.

Mr Lennon was taking part in an off-road driving experience at the 3500-acre estate on a 200-year-old track on the estate.

He has asked Highland Council to look at whether commercial off-road driving experiences should be included in the list of events requiring a public entertainment licence.

IN DETAIL

• Inquiry into death of Dumbarton captain Gordon Lennon