A man has appeared in court on petition accused of causing the death of a woman by dangerous driving following a four car smash in Edinburgh.
Shola Richards, 32, faced the serious allegation along with a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice when he appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday.
Richards, of Broxburn, West Lothian, also faced allegations of failing to stop and give his details after an accident and failing to provide police officers with the identity of a driver when required to do so.
He made no plea during the court hearing and was remanded in custody.
The case has been committed for further examination and he is due to appear back in the dock at the capital court within eight days.
Two women, aged 19 and 23, have also been charged by police following the alleged incident but did not appear in court yesterday.
The court appearance comes two days after 58-year-old Linda Patterson was killed in a four car crash on the A8 road near Edinburgh Airport on Monday 7 September.
Linda was driving a Hyundai i30 when the collision involving a Mercedes A250, Skoda Karoq and a Renault Captur occurred at around 9:25am. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following her death, Linda’s family released a statement saying she was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.
They added: “She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.
“Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.
“She will be greatly missed.
“We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts.”
Sgt Mike Thomson said the force’s thoughts remained with Linda’s family and friends at this “devastating” time.
He added: “Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.
“If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.”
The officer also urged anyone with relevant dash-cam footage or private CCTV to contact police.
