Largs Thistle support Craig Forbes after David Horn killed

Craig Forbes, 23, smashed his Volkswagen Golf into Wemyss Bay man David Horn’s Toyota Yaris on the A78 - leaving the 59-year-old with catastrophic injuries.

Forbes was still well over the blood-alcohol limit several hours after the crash and an expert report confirmed his actions at the time were impaired by alcohol.

In a statement issued after Forbes pleaded guilty to causing Mr Horn’s death by dangerous driving, a Largs Thistle spokesperson said the club “believe[s] in positive rehabilitation” and “support[s] Craig in his ongoing progress as he learns to deal with the devastation he has caused”.

In their statement the club praised Forbes’ contribution to Thistle’s recent successes.

His future with the club was expected to be decided this week – but the club is remaining tight-lipped on whether a decision has been made.

Within their original statement, the club said that Forbes “was involved in a road traffic accident which resulted in the tragic death” of Mr Horn.

A court had been told that Forbes, a first offender, was unable to give a blood sample until three hours after the incident, which confirmed a level of 78 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

The legal limit in Scotland is 50 milligrams.

The High Court in Glasgow, where Craig Horn pleaded guilty to causing the death of David Forbes by dangerous driving

The High Court in Glasgow heard Forbes’ blood alcohol levels at the time of the crash would have been higher than 78 milligrams; a more accurate calculation will be given when he is sentenced later this month.

Forbes, who had earlier attended a wedding, overtook another vehicle when it was unsafe moments before the fatal collision at 11.20pm on October 15, 2022.

Both Forbes and Mr Horn’s vehicles rotated after the point of impact, with Mr Horn becoming trapped inside.

Mr Horn died from his injuries in hospital.

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

Judge Douglas Brown continued Forbes’ bail pending background reports, but warned him to expect a “substantial” prison term.

Forbes, who was also handed an interim driving ban at the March 1 hearing, continued to be part of the Largs Thistle matchday squad until the weekend before his court appearance, and last played for the club as a substitute against Irvine Meadow on February 17.

He was not included in the squad for the match against St Cadoc’s on March 2.

Following Forbes’ court appearance, the News contacted the club to ask whether his contract had been terminated.

We were initially told a decision would not be made until a meeting of the club’s committee this week.

Two club officials were contacted by the News on Thursday and asked for an update, but neither would comment.

Craig Forbes last played for Largs Thistle on February 17 this year, when he appeared as a substitute against Irvine Meadow (Image: Newsquest)

In their original statement following Forbes’ guilty plea, Thistle's spokesperson added: “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.”

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’.

Alex Sutherland, prosecuting, said: “This caused the car to enter the southbound lane and strike the front of Mr Horn’s car.

“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.”

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.