THE Crown Office has launched proceedings against Police Scotland over the deaths of John Yuill and Lamara Bell following an accident on the M9 near Stirling in 2015.
Five years ago, the couple were in a horrific accident when their car crashed at some point on the morning of July 5.
Police were told that a vehicle had gone off the road, but that was not entered into the system and so no officers went to check.
It took another three days and another call to police before the couple were found.
Yuill is thought to have died instantly, while Bell was still alive when discovered by police. The mother-of-two then died in hospital from injuries caused by the crash.
Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC is understood to have notified Chief Constable Iain Livingstone – who was not in charge of Police Scotland at the time – that legal proceedings against the force have commenced.
A spokeswoman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The case team and staff from our Victim Information and Advice service have communicated with family members and their legal representatives throughout, and will continue to keep them informed of any significant developments in relation to the investigation.
“In order to protect any potential proceedings, the Crown will not comment further at this stage.”
Livingstone said: “Lamara Bell and John Yuill’s deaths were a tragedy and my thoughts and condolences are with their families and loved ones.
“Police Scotland has fully assisted the Crown Office throughout their inquiries and will continue to engage in due process.”
In a statement released by solicitors Digby Brown, Bell’s family said: “We will not comment on any new or ongoing proceedings until they have all concluded.”
Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said the families deserved answers.
He said:“The deaths of Lamara and John were tragic and traumatic.
“It still upsets me today that they were left by the side of the motorway for three days without help.
“We’re more than five years on from this terrible incident and their families and friends are still seeking justice and answers.
“They have been put through unimaginable distress by this drawn-out process.
“I hope that these proceedings are able to bring them clarity and some form of resolution.”
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