A German serviceman failed to spot an oncoming motorbike as he attempted to overtake a learner driver. Daniel Auernhammer pulled into the motorcyclist’s path on the A941 between Lossiemouth and Elgin, causing a collision that left the biker severely injured. Auernhammer was initially charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but was found guilty of a lesser careless driving charge following a trial at Inverness Sheriff Court. In evidence led by fiscal depute Karen Poke, the jury heard how Auernhammer had spent around 12 hours on the base at Lossiemouth before commencing his journey with passengers on board. In closing speeches, defence agent Brent Lockie invited the jury to find his client guilty – but of the lesser charge of careless driving.