Driver who vanished following two-car crash on A7 near Selkirk is sentenced
Last updated 8th Jul 2025
A 26-year-old man who sparked a major police search lasting several days after vanishing from the scene of a two-car crash on the A7 near Selkirk has avoided a custodial sentence.
Shane Donnelly had been travelling towards his home in Galashiels when his car suddenly veered onto the opposite side of the road and collided with another vehicle being driven in the opposite direction.
Emergency services raced to the scene, near the Bridgelands Road junction, after the alarm was raised around 7.10pm on January 14th.
But, when police arrived, there was no sign of him.
The woman in the other car was unable to open her door but, after being freed, was taken to hospital with bruising and soreness to her neck and back.
Selkirk Sheriff Court heard her wheel had come off in the collision, causing her car to skid across the road.
India McLean, prosecuting, said: "She has attempted to avoid the collision but it happened too quickly."
WATCH: Motorists urged to #takeanotherlook to reduce motorcycle deaths in the Scottish Borders
It had been feared Donnelly may also have been injured. And a police helicopter, sniffer dog, drone and mountain rescue team were drafted in to help look for him.
When officers caught up with him, the forestry worker confirmed he had been driving and blamed his disappearance on concussion suffered in the smash.
His solicitor, Ross Dow, added: "He panicked."
Donnelly previously admitted a charge of careless driving and failing to report the accident within 24 hours.
On his return to court today (Tuesday), he was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and had eight penalty points added to his licence.
Sheriff Peter Paterson said the sentence is an alternative to custody.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/