Killer driver Craig Forbes facing 'substantial' prison term

Craig Forbes, 23, smashed his Volkswagen Golf into Wemyss Bay man David Horn's Toyota Yaris on the A78 - leaving him with catastrophic injuries.

Largs Thistle player Forbes - who had earlier attended a wedding - overtook another vehicle when it was unsafe moments before the fatal collision.

Both Forbes and Mr Horn's vehicles rotated after the point of impact with the 59-year-old victim becoming trapped inside.

Mr Horn - a Rangers supporter and season ticket holder - tragically died from his injuries in hospital.

Tributes were paid to him at his beloved Ibrox Stadium as fans held an applause on the 59th minute of a Rangers versus Livingston match.

Popular Mr Horn travelled to matches on a local Rangers supporters' bus.

He was described as a 'loving, caring and compassionate husband and father, and a ready, willing and true friend to many'.

The retired procurement manager for Hewlett Packard is survived by his wife and two children.

First offender Forbes pleaded today at the High Court in Glasgow to causing Mr Horn's death by dangerous driving.

The court heard that Mr Horn was driving home having dropped off his daughter in Greenock in his Toyota Yaris at 11.20pm on October 15, 2022.

Forbes meantime had attended a wedding and was returning to Greenock in his Volkswagen Golf.

Shortly before the collision, Forbes overtook a car when it was unsafe to do so.

The driver of the car which had been overtaken described Forbes as driving 'quite fast'.

Prosecutor Alex Sutherland said: "Subsequently, Forbes lost directional control of the car and entered the southbound lane colliding head on with Mr Horn's car.

"After the collision, Forbes' car continued to travel north-east and it struck a verge causing it to rotate 90 degrees.

"It rolled on its nearside in the southbound lane.

"It's final position was resting on its nearside and it was subsequently rolled onto its wheels for Forbes to be freed."

Mr Horn's car meantime rotated 180 degrees anticlockwise on the southbound lane.

Both cars sustained extensive front damage which was shown to the court on screens.

Mr Horn was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. He went into full cardiac arrest during the journey and CPR was carried out.

Tragically, Mr Horn's condition did not improve at hospital and he was pronounced dead at 1.26am.

A post-mortem carried out recorded the cause of death as 'chest injuries due to road traffic collision'.

Prosecutor Mr Sutherland stated that Mr Horn sustained fractures to his forearm, both thigh bones as well as internal injuries including to his spine and ribs.

Forbes, of Greenock, was also treated at hospital for injuries to his leg, pelvis and bruised lungs.

He was unable to give a blood sample until three hours after the incident which confirmed a blood alcohol level of 78 milligrams in 100 millilitres. The legal limit is 50 milligrams.

It was stated that his levels would have been higher that 78 milligrams; a more accurate calculation will be given at the sentencing later this month.

A collision investigation determined that 'it occurred as a result of Forbes, while impaired by alcohol, losing directional control of his car for an unknown reason'.

Mr Sutherland said: "This caused the car to enter the southbound lane and strike the front of Mr Horn's car.

"Mr Horn had insufficient time to take evasive action.

"Forbes was solely to blame for the collision which caused Mr Horn's death."

Simon Gilbride, defending, told the court: "There are not words that can make any practical difference to the family of Mr Horn.

"Mr Forbes wishes to convey his sorrow for his actions that night and the awful consequences."

Sentence was deferred pending background reports by Judge Douglas Brown who disqualified Forbes from driving in the interim.

The judge told him: "Although bail is continued, you should expect a substantial prison sentence when you return."

Forbes signed for Largs Thistle in 2019 on a dual contract with St Andrew's in Greenock, and was previously part of the youth set-up at Morton.

He was still being chosen for the club's matchday squad until the weekend before his court appearance, and last played for the club as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Irvine Meadow on February 17, 2024.

A Largs Thistle club spokesperson said: "For many years, Craig Forbes has been a much-valued player at Largs Thistle contributing to the Club’s successes.

"In October 2022, Craig was involved in a road traffic accident, which resulted in the tragic death of Mr David Horn, from Wemyss Bay.

"While we cannot comprehend the full impact of these events on Mr. Horn’s family, our thoughts and prayers remain with them as they continue to grieve and come to terms with the consequences of their unimaginable loss.

"As a result of the collision, Craig has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

"As a club, we oppose any form of serious offence. However, we also believe in positive rehabilitation, and therefore, we support Craig in his ongoing progress as he learns to deal with the devastation that he has caused.

"Craig has appeared before Judge Douglas Brown, who has asked for background reports, following which he will decide the appropriate outcome."