Van driver who killed 'adored' dad on holiday after failing to stop at junction jailed

A van driver who killed a retired pharmacist on holiday with his wife after failing to stop at a junction in Perthshire has been jailed.

David Cooper was caught on his own dashcam not stopping at a junction on September 13, 2023.

The 31-year-old crashed into a Mercedes driven by Stephen Painter, with his wife in the passenger seat.

The car flipped onto its roof following the crash on the A93 near Meikleour.

The couple had been returning to their home in Oxfordshire at the time, having enjoyed a break in Scotland.

Mr Painter, 69, died from his injuries just three days before his 45th wedding anniversary.

Lord Armstrong told Cooper said: “No sentence I can impose can, in any sense, be a measure of the value of the life lost.

“I consider, having due regard to the whole facts and circumstances, that the standard of your driving fell not far short of dangerous driving.”

He was jailed for two years and four months and banned from driving for three years and ten months from October this year.

In a statement following the driver’s conviction, Mr Painter’s family said: “While today’s guilty plea will help us close this devastating chapter, we will never be able to find the words to describe our loss.

“Stephen was more than a husband, son, brother, father and grandfather – he was a life partner and adored by his children, grandchildren, mother and siblings.

“Every day, there are moments we wish we could share with him, but we have been robbed of creating years of memories with him.

“Life will never be the same again.”

Court appearance

Cooper pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by careless driving by driving without due care and attention after failing to make proper observations of warning signs and failing to stop at the junction.

The court previously heard how Cooper’s van ploughed into the Mercedes driven by Mr Painter, with his wife in the passenger seat.

At the time, the couple were returning to their home in Oxfordshire after holidaying north of the border.

The Mercedes and a caravan under tow rotated and left the carriageway after the collision, and the van struck a trailer being towed by a tractor.

Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel told the court: “It is accepted that the cause of the collision was due to Cooper’s failure to observe and take proper cognisance of warning signs.

“He failed to react in time to a stop sign at a crossroads junction.

“He then drove his van onto the A93, causing it to collide with the Mercedes.”

Dashcam footage played at the hearing showed the Ford Transit van hit the car, which was towing the couple’s caravan.

Cooper’s vehicle also struck a trailer of a tractor which was nearby.

Ms Dalziel said: “Louise Painter noticed blood on the airbag – her husband was making noises, but was unable to respond to her.

“They were stuck within their vehicle, and witnesses – including Cooper – attempted to rescue them by smashing the glass of the sunroof.”

Police, paramedics and fire crews all arrived at the crash scene, and the father-of-three was removed from the car, but he passed away due to fatal chest injuries.

Cooper, of Blyth, Northumberland, had initially faced a charge of causing the death by dangerous driving.

His lawyer Euan Dow said: “I wish to express his profound remorse for the catastrophic consequences of his driving and the loss that has been suffered.”