A biker has admitted causing the death of his 23-year-old pillion passenger.
However, 28-year-old Bret Simpson’s guilty plea to careless driving before the fatal crash was rejected, and he will instead go on trial accused of dangerous driving.
Bronte Hutchison died on August 5, 2018, following a crash on the A6091 Galashiels to Melrose bypass.
It is alleged that Simpson rode his motorbike at excessive speed, allowed Bronte to ride pillion while she was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, failed to slow down approaching the Tweedbank roundabout, then braked sharply and lost control of his bike.
Bronte was thrown from the bike, struck her head on the kerb and died at the scene.
Defence counsel Edith Forrest said: “He pleads guilty to causing death by careless driving.”
Prosecutor Shirley McKenna refused to accept the reduced plea and said the Crown was ready for trial.
Judge Lord Mulholland said: “I will continue this for another preliminary hearing on September 24.”
The High Court in Glasgow heard that the trial is expected to last five days.
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