Driver jailed after police officer loses leg in crash
A driver who caused a crash which led to a police officer having his leg amputated has been jailed for more than seven years.
Alan Tait, 36, of Fraserburgh, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving after the collision on the A952 near Mintlaw in October last year.
PC Ewan Simpson was heading home from work on his motorbike when Tait's car hit him.
Tait then left without getting any help.
He was jailed for seven years and three months at the High Court in Lanark.
Cries for help
Tait was also disqualified from driving for 10 years.
Two nurses who had been passing in a car heard 32-year-old Mr Simpson's cries for help.
His leg had to be amputated below the knee. He was in hospital for almost two months before finally being released.
Tait admitted five other charges including culpable and reckless conduct by failing to get help.
Ch Supt Campbell Thomson said after the case: "Firstly I would like to thank the two women who came to Constable Ewan Simpson's assistance and stayed with him, providing medical help and reassurance.
"There is no doubt that their actions potentially saved his life.
"Most importantly however, I want to commend Ewan for the courage and determination he has shown throughout this ordeal; from that fateful morning to his ongoing recovery, his bravery has shown no bounds.
"It's hard to imagine how any of us would deal with such adversity, however his immense courage, positive attitude and good humour is something all of us who have the good fortune to work with him have been inspired by."